Southern Alumni Magazine Winter 2025

THE BATS OF BELIZE

A professor and students search for clues on climate adaptation, nutrition, and aging.

FEATURES

14 Catching the Night Flyers

Think bats are scary or dangerous? Professor of Biology Miranda Dunbar wants to change your perception. Bats are clean, social, and essential to agriculture and pest control; one can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes an hour. Research on bats may also unlock clues on aging, immunity, and evolution.

20 Olympic Dreams

When it comes to Olympic fervor, Paris has nothing on Southern Connecticut State University and its admiration for gold medalist Alexis Holmes and her mom Dawn Stanton, ’90, M.S. ’97.

22 The Storyteller

28 Finding Her Voice

COVER: Studying bats and other wildlife in Belize

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MIRANDA DUNBAR, PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY.

Fiction writer Sandi Shelton, ’81, (aka Maddie Dawson) crafts her own happy ending.

DAN MIMS PHOTO

Natalie Schriefer, ’14, M.F.A. ’19, navigates the challenges of a writer’s life while embracing her identity.

34 A Dog Named Justice

School is in session for this talented puppy thanks to a new student organization focused on raising future guide dogs.

38 Alumni Come Home to Southern

Some 3,000 members of the Southern community gathered under picture-perfect autumn skies to celebrate Homecoming and Family Day 2024. 30 Wise Owls

With a focus on building community while meeting scholars’ unique needs, the Honors College helps students reach their fullest potential.

Do you know someone who’d be a great fit for Southern? Please share this issue with a prospective student. Thank you!

hope you had an enjoyable and relaxing holiday season! As we commence the spring 2025 semester at Southern, we continue to make progress on many fronts.

The preceding 12 months saw steady growth in enrollment, record numbers of grants and private gifts, and a host of new community partnerships that give our scholars real-world experience in a wide range of fields.

GREETINGS, SOUTHERN ALUMNI!

The most recent of these was a multi-million dollar collaboration with Yale University, New Haven Public Schools (NHPS), and New Haven Promise to train a diverse cohort of high-quality educators and offset the city’s teaching shortage. The funding covers full tuition in exchange for three years of service in NHPS.

This innovative program aspires to prepare 100 teachers over four years — starting in summer 2025 — with three tracks: new teachers, current teachers, and current paraprofessionals. This highly impactful program is a tribute to the confidence that our partners place in Southern and our College of Education.

And it is also just the latest in a series of initiatives to address critical areas of workforce and societal need. Last fall, for example, we welcomed the first scholars into a National Science Foundation-funded program to recruit, retain, and graduate underrepresented scholars in the STEM disciplines. This is a collaborative alliance with our sister Connecticut State Colleges and Universities institutions.

In addition, our Community Alliance for Research and Engagement (CARE) program has extended its public health outreach to Hartford and Bridgeport aided by multi-year funding from the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention. As it currently does in New Haven, CARE will work with community partners to reduce chronic disease inequities among Black and Latino residents.

And, in the second year of a Connecticut Health Horizons grant to address workforce shortages in nursing and social work professions, our College of Health and Human Services has already doubled its number of accelerated BSN and MSW graduates, meeting a critical area of need.

Finally, our innovative School of Business — which recently launched a unique STEM Doctorate in Business Administration — continues to broaden its reach as a community resource. Following recent initiatives to strengthen local businesses by promoting entrepreneurship and resiliency, the school has developed a Business Pathway for New Haven high school scholars. This offers coursework in in-demand areas such as accounting, marketing, and data studies as well as experiential learning at area businesses.

These and other workforce development partnerships play a vital role in strengthening communities in New Haven and beyond as well as investing in the academic and personal success of our scholars. For it is their success that leads to a stronger, better, Connecticut.

Thank you for your continued support as we prepare our graduates to advance the economy of our state and improve the quality of life for all of its residents.

Sincerely,

Dwayne Smith, Ph.D. Interim President

Cheering on the Class of 2028

FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS

WERE WELCOMED on Aug. 25, at the New Owl Convocation and Rite of Passage Ceremony, the symbolic start of their academic journey at Southern. During the annual tradition, incoming students walk through Alumni Gate to the academic quad where they are greeted by a cheering lineup of faculty, staff, and students. In May, the tradition will come full circle as graduating seniors exit the academic quad through Alumni Gate, signaling the close of their undergraduate career — and continued personal growth, professional success, and potential graduate studies.

Dr. Dwayne Smith, Interim President

Michael K. Kingan, Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Executive Director, SCSU Foundation, Inc.

STAFF

Patrick Dilger, Director of Integrated Communications & Marketing

Villia Struyk, Editor

Mary Pat Caputo, Associate Editor

Marylou Conley, ’83, Art Director

Isabel Chenoweth, Photographer

Jason Edwards, ’21, Ashley Donahue

Contributing Photographers

OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

Gregory Bernard, ’04, Director of Alumni Relations (203) 392-6500

EDITORIAL OFFICE

Southern Connecticut State University

Office of Integrated Communications & Marketing/Southern Alumni Magazine

501 Crescent Street

New Haven, CT 06515-1355

Telephone (203) 392-6591; fax (203) 392-5083

Email address: StruykV1@SouthernCT.edu

University website: SouthernCT.edu

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Southern Alumni Magazine is published by the university in cooperation with the SCSU Alumni Association two times a year and distributed free of charge to alumni and friends of the university. Opinions expressed in Southern Alumni Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the university or the SCSU Alumni Association. Although the editors have made every reasonable effort to be factually accurate, no responsibility is assumed for errors.

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Southern Connecticut State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or criminal record. Inquiries related to nondiscrimination policies and Title IX may be forwarded to Paula Rice, Title IX Coordinator and Director of Diversity and Equity Programs, 501 Crescent Street, BU 240, New Haven, CT, 06515; (203) 392-5568; RiceP1@SouthernCT.edu

■ Students Among Leaders in International Business Competition

THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS IS CELEBRATING A STELLAR PERFORMANCE in the prestigious Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge in 2024. In this real-world-style investing competition, teams of three to five students use Bloomberg Terminals, a financial-industry standard, to study the market, shape their strategy, and execute virtual trades.

Southern finished among the top 1.75% of competitors from around the world. “Now that our students have access to proper training and resources on investing, we’re seeing the remarkable results of their dedication and education,” say Jess Boronico, dean of the School of Business. “Finishing 38th out of 2,169 competing teams globally and being in the top 2% is a testament to their hard work, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

The team of Southern seniors — led by senior Graham Riss, alongside Riley Hays, Simon Smith, and Bennett Trombley — adopted a bold strategy focused primarily on cryptocurrency investments. Their innovative approach and analytical skills led them to outperform numerous formidable competitors, including all six teams from Columbia University and every participating Ivy League team.

■ STEM Doctorate in Business Administration Launched

WE LIVE — AND WORK — IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD. About 97% of business executives believe business resilience is important, but only 47% feel their organization is resilient.* Confronting this dichotomy head-on, Southern has launched a STEM Doctorate in Business Administration (STEM DBA), which bridges the gap between business disciplines and STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). It is the only program of its kind in the Connecticut State University system. The STEM DBA, which began in fall 2024, meets growing demand for leadership education with a focus on advanced business resiliency, “an organization’s ability to absorb stress, recover critical functionality, and thrive in altered circumstances,” sums Jess Boronico, dean of the School of Business. Full-time students can complete the degree in two years.

The program’s strengths include:

• a rigorous academic framework aligned with STEM disciplines. This approach ensures that graduates are equipped with scientific- and research-driven, decision-making skills.

• a focus on practitioners. Students engage with business leaders to address complex global challenges, fostering a deep understanding of real-world applications.

• a robust research component, preparing students to address business challenges and contribute valuable insights to the professional arena.

*SAS Institute as reported by Forbes

MORE AT SouthernCT.edu/academics/programs /stem-dba

Riley Hays

Graham Riss

Simon Smith

Bennett Trombley

■ Owl Pride

SOUTHERN IS RECOGNIZED IN THE 2025 U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT BEST COLLEGES

RANKINGS for its outstanding performance as a leading public institution of higher learning.

U.S. News 2025 University Rankings

Top Regional Universities North

Top Public Schools

Best Value Schools

Top Undergraduate Nursing

Best Colleges for Veterans

Top Performers of Social Mobility

U.S. News 2025 Graduate Program Rankings

Speech-Language Pathology

Social Work

Public Health

Library and Information Studies

■ NASA Grant Forwards Faculty Research

ELLIOTT HORCH , a Connecticut State University professor of physics, and the chair of Southern’s Department of Physics, received the prestigious Fall 2024 NASA Connecticut Space Grant Faculty Research Award. The $10,000 grant will advance work with the Southern Connecticut Stellar Interferometer — a threetelescope instrument developed on campus — with a focus on refining methods to observe and measure bright stars.

“We’re excited to have this opportunity to extend the unique capabilities of our homegrown, three-telescope astronomical instrument, which is one of only six of its kind in the world today,” says Horch. “Our students will learn how to observe stars and obtain ultrafine image detail from right here on Southern’s campus.”

Horch, who earned a doctorate in applied physics from Stanford University in 1994, is an astronomer and instrument builder whose research interests include stellar astrophysics, binary stars, exoplanets, and high-resolution imaging.

■ Never Stop Learning

Are you interested in aging “fiercely,” looking at retirement from a new angle, or, perhaps, volunteering with a nonprofit organization? How about expanding your computer knowledge by learning about AI? Explore these and other topics through Wise OWLLS — a series of virtual workshops and seminars presented throughout the year by Southern faculty, staff, and graduates. The program is open to all but designed with retired and semi-retired alumni in mind, and is one of many offerings from Southern’s Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning.

■ Multiple Awards from Colleges of Distinction

THE COLLEGES OF DISTINCTION has recognized Southern for its exceptional accomplishments as a public university and as a standout institution in Connecticut. Additionally, the university was recognized for excellence in these categories: equity and inclusion, career development, affordability, nursing, education, and business programs.

Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction, commended the university, noting: “Southern Connecticut State University exemplifies the qualities we value in higher education: a commitment to serving underrepresented populations, preparing students for successful careers, ensuring affordability, and providing toptier programs in various disciplines. SCSU’s efforts are a testament to their dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.”

Since 2000, the Colleges of Distinction has been a resource for more than 5 million students, parents, and guidance counselors.

■ Crescent Players Celebrate Platinum Jubilee

THE SHOW HAS GONE ON FOR SEVEN DECADES at Southern thanks to the Crescent Players, a popular student organization founded in 1954 under the leadership of Robert E. Kendall. Today, the Crescent Players continue to provide top-quality theatre training, fostering both personal and artistic growth in students. Each year dozens of student actors, directors, designers, and dramaturgs compete at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Regional Festival. In recent years, several have earned top honors at the regional level and have moved on to the national festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Crescent Players alumni celebrated this legacy of excellence on Oct. 18, with a reunion reception in the Lyman Center for the Performing Arts, followed by a performance of the hit musical The Prom There is a lot to celebrate. Many alumni, like Dan Lauria, ’70, known for his portrayal of the father in the beloved TV series The Wonder Years, credit the Crescent Players with helping them find their calling. “I wouldn’t be an actor today if it wasn’t for the Crescent Players and Constance Welch,” said Lauria in an earlier interview with Southern Alumni Magazine His love for the stage began during a student production of Shakespeare, and he has since gone on to a thriving career in television and theatre.

• Southern’s School of Nursing was ranked #1 in Connecticut by RegisteredNursing.org. The rating is based on graduates’ pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination-RN.

• Interested in graduate studies? Southern offers more than 110 graduate programs leading to master’s and doctoral degrees as well as sixthyear and post-graduate certificates.

• Southern’s average class size is fewer than 20.

• 57% of Owls are first-generation college students.

• Southern offers accelerated programs that let students complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in only 5 years.

• 93% of Southern faculty hold doctorates or other terminal degrees.

■ NAACP Honors Two in Southern Community

INrecognition of

his commitment to fostering an inclusive and thriving academic community, Dwayne Smith, interim president of Southern Connecticut State University, has been honored as one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut by the NAACP Connecticut State Conference.

Joining Dr. Smith in receiving this esteemed recognition is Connecticut Department of Children and Families Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lilly, ’88, M.S.W. ’94. Hill-Lilly obtained both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Southern and has been with DCF since 1988. She is also a former board member of Southern’s Alumni Association

Alumni reconnected at a reception in the Lyman Center, then watched a student production of The Prom

faculty spotlight

RECENT HONOR : recipient of the J. Philip Smith Award for Outstanding Teaching

OTHER HATS : Lunn is the coordinator of the Exercise and Sport Science Program at Southern. He is also the director of the Connecticut Health, Athletic, and Mental Performance (CHAMP) Center, located in the new home for the College of Health and Human Services.

WHAT ’ S CHAMP : Using the latest technology and a team of experts, CHAMP offers a range of services, including precision testing, health assessments, psychological consulting, and performance optimization. CHAMP caters not only to athletes but also those looking to optimize their health.

RESEARCH INTERESTS : protein metabolism, highintensity interval training, nutritional ketosis, performance-testing validation

RECENT POINT OF PRIDE : In the 2023-24 academic year, 100% of graduating students from Southern’s Exercise and Sport Science Program found employment in the exercise science profession or were admitted to a higher-level graduate program in exercise science or related fields.

William Lunn, professor of exercise science

■ Faculty Honors

Two Southern professors were honored as recipients of the 2023-24 Connecticut Board of Regents Faculty Awards. Faculty from each of the four state universities — Southern, Central, Eastern, and Western — are eligible for campus-wide awards for teaching and research. System-wide awards then are selected from among the university-level honorees.

Zara Waldman DeLuca, assistant professor of communication disorders, was recognized with both the campus- and system-wide Board of Regents Teaching Award for Connecticut State Universities.

Anuli Njoku, professor of public health, received the Board of Regents Research Award at the campus level for Southern.

The J. Philip Smith Award for Outstanding Teaching, among the university’s top honors for educators, was presented to William Lunn, professor of exercise science. (See page 7.) Lunn is the director of the Connecticut Health, Athletic, and Mental Performance (CHAMP) Center, which is based at Southern.

Federico Fiondella received the J. Philip Smith Award for Outstanding Teaching at the part-time level. He is an adjunct faculty member in the departments of history and curriculum and learning.

Saira Hanif Soroya, associate professor of information and library science, is the recipient of the 2024 James A. Cretsos Award for Leadership from the Association for Information Science and Technology.

SGladys Barbosa Labas, associate professor of educational leadership and policy studies, was presented with the Lifetime Recognition Award from the Multistate Association for Bilingual Education. In related news, Labas was among a select group of educators and policymakers invited by the Biden administration to a White House summit on “Addressing Chronic Absenteeism and Increasing Student Engagement.”

Kelvin Rutledge, interim vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion, was elected to serve as president of the American College Personnel Association for the 2026-2027 term.

The U.S. Department of State appointed Rabia Hos, dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, to a six-month English Language Specialist project. She will focus on Englishlanguage teacher-educator training in Poland and Ukraine.

MORE AT go.SouthernCT.edu//faculty-promotion-2024

STEM National Award for i-Hub

OUTHERN’S INNOVATION HUB

(i-Hub) received the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight into Diversity magazine. The award recognizes efforts to inspire students from underrepresented groups to pursue the study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

i-Hub offers a full menu of services including professional development opportunities for educators, matching funds for faculty seeking industrystandard equipment, paid research experiences for students, and

networking events like Connecting Students and Professionals of Color. Programs are free to students thanks to support from CTNext and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development.

“By continuing to work together we will grow, we will build, and we will support the next generation of STEM professionals right here in the heart of Connecticut,” says Peter Dimoulas, grant program administrator, STEM research and innovation.

In recent years, i-Hub has provided paid research experiences for

about 85 students, hosted events with over 500 attendees annually, and helped more than 150 students secure jobs and internships with STEM companies. Among their program participants, 39% identify as persons of color and more than 60% as female.

Zara Waldman DeLuca

Federico Fiondella

Anuli Njoku

William Lunn

Saira Hanif Soroya

Rabia Hos

Gladys Barbosa Labas

Kelvin Rutledge

■ Yale Teaching Fellowship at Southern

The start of the 2024-25 school year was challenging for many school districts, including New Haven Public Schools (NHPS), which had 77 classroom vacancies with nearly 60% concentrated in mathematics, science, and special education. A new partnership between Southern Connecticut State University, Yale University, New Haven Public Schools (NHPS), and New Haven Promise addresses the critical need for highly qualified teachers in the district. The initiative — known as the Yale Teaching Fellowship at Southern — is forwarded by a $10 million investment from Yale. Its goals are to fill and retain essential teaching positions,

increase teacher diversity, and create more accessible graduate-level education pathways.

Those selected as fellows will receive full funding for graduate-level education at Southern in exchange for a three-year commitment to teach in New Haven.

Over the next four years, Southern will prepare more than 100 educators to teach in New Haven schools, through programs leading to master’s degrees, teaching certifications, and cross-endorsements.

The three fellowship tracks are designed for 1) new teachers, 2) paraprofessional and student support staff, and 3) current NHPS teachers.

■ Southern’s Noyce Scholars

SOUTHERN HELD A SIGNING CEREMONY IN FALL 2024 TO HONOR THE NEWEST COHORT OF NOYCE SCHOLARS — six exceptional students studying to become mathematics and science teachers. They join the ranks of Southern’s previously named Noyce Scholars, all of whom received significant scholarship funding and professional development support in return for teaching in a high-needs school district after graduation.

The “Noyce OwlsTeach Program” is funded by a five-year, $1.4 million grant awarded to Southern through the prestigious National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. It’s designed to address a nationwide shortage of highly qualified mathematics and science teachers. Southern offers both undergraduate- and graduate-level education pathways to Noyce Scholars through its OwlsTeach program. This year’s cohort includes three undergraduates — Julia Grant, Emily Jasinski, and Aiden Kennedy — who will receive full-tuition scholarships for the

From left: New Haven Promise President Patricia Melton, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, New Haven Public Schools Superintendent Madeline Negrón, SCSU Interim President Dwayne Smith, and Yale University President Maurie McInnis

NCAA Lauds SCSU for Diversity and Inclusion

Southern Athletics and Recreation received the 2025 NCAA and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association Award for Diversity and Inclusion, recognizing their outstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment within the athletics community. Southern is one of only three institutions of higher learning in the nation to receive the honor, which also was presented to Villanova University in Pennsylvania and St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

final two years of their Southern education as well as a stipend. Additionally, three students who are pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in secondary science or mathematics education — Alexandra Lindgren, Julie Reynolds, and Zaya Powell — are receiving a stipend that

covers tuition and fees for up to 14 months. Carrie-Anne Sherwood, assistant professor of curriculum and learning and coordinator of secondary science education, is the principal investigator and is coordinating the project.

Southern Interim President Dwayne Smith (center) with the fall 2024 Noyce Scholars

■ A Leader in Support of Veterans

SOUTHERN IS CITED AMONG THE NATION’S TOP “MILITARY FRIENDLY SCHOOLS”

FOR 2024-25 , based on “commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the military community.” The university achieved “Silver Status” on the list, which is compiled by the Viqtory media company. Military Friendly status is evaluated on institutional survey responses and public data related to student retention and graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer), and loan default rates.

■ Buley Borrowing

■ Southern Expanding the Discounted NEBHE Tuition Rate

SOUTHERN WILL EXPAND THE discounted New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) tuition rate to all states on the Eastern Seaboard beginning in fall 2025.

HILTON C. BULEY LIBRARY has a world-class collection of books. But offerings and services extend well beyond the written word. What else will you find at Buley? Here are just a few highlights from past editions of the Buley Bulletin.

• The Buley Library Art Gallery is home to stunning professional and student exhibits and events. (Learn more at SouthernCT.edu/art-gallery.)

• A family friendly study room opened in collaboration with the university’s COMPASS Childcare Center is a great destination for student-parents in pursuit of education. Adult- and childsize furniture, children’s books and toys, and information on services for families are available. A lactation room also is housed in Buley.

• A Makerspace is home base for workshops on topics ranging from 3D design to video storytelling to electronics.

• Among the many items available for checkout are noise canceling earphones (thanks to a social justice grant from the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), calculators (financial, graphing, and scientific), and portable DVD and Blue Ray drives.

• A Napping Pod is a welcome addition, a gift from Southern’s Division of Counseling Services and Wellbeing.

• Online resources for students range from a host of academic journals to the Wall Street Journal. For alumni, digitized SCSU student publications are online, including past Laurel yearbooks.

Currently, full-time matriculated students from Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont can enroll in any undergraduate degree program at Southern at the Connecticut resident tuition rate plus 50 percent. Pennsylvania was added this fall.

Effective fall 2025, the NEBHE tuition break will also apply to fulltime graduate and undergraduate students from Delaware; Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Virginia; North Carolina; South Carolina; Georgia; and Florida.

AT libguides.SouthernCT.edu/newsletter

About 95 percent of SCSU students hail from Connecticut, but out-of-state numbers have been growing. There were 273 NEBHE students this fall, up 49 from the previous year.

Look Whooooo’s Talking

“Southern Connecticut State University . . . it’s straight up Vibin,” says Nilvio Perez, director of admissions, speaking Gen Alpha — the dialect of choice for those born after 2010.

More at SouthernCT.edu/admissions

19.2K+ ♥

Owl Pride deserves custom Air Jordans. Business administration major Aidon McCray, ’27, gets creative and fans show their love.

Posts, ’Grams, and More

Sharing 10 cool classes, from PHI 125 (Anger, Revenge, and Forgiveness) to WLL 398 (GOT: Myths for the New Millennium) to MUS 300 (Beethoven and Revolution).

The best part of joining a community of scholars? There’s always something to celebrate.

Congratulations to the summer 2024 graduates of the Nursing Accelerated Career Entry (ACE) program.

Join the Conversation! Follow Southern on:

FACEBOOK • SouthernCT • 32,150+ followers

X • @SCSU • 9,200+ followers

INSTAGRAM • @southernscsu • 15,200+ followers

LINKE D IN • Southern Connecticut State University • 62,800+ followers

TIKTOK • @SCSU • 4,400+ followers

Connect with Dr. Dwayne Smith, interim president: Facebook, X, and Instagram @DrDTopOwl

■ Three-Peat: Men’s Cross Country NE10 and East Regional Champions

SUCCESS BREEDS SUCCESS — just ask a member of Southern’s men’s cross country team. On Nov. 9, the Owls were crowned the 2024 NCAA Division II East Region Champions, besting 18 teams and clinching a spot at the national championship. It was the thirdconsecutive NCAA regional tournament victory for the men.

Earlier in the season, Southern won the Northeast-10 (NE10) Men’s Cross Country Conference Championship for the third time in a row. Southern’s Owen Gagne finished first out of 110 runners at the NE10 tourney. He is the third Owl to finish in the top spot at the championship, preceded by Jonathan Volpe in 2022 and Christopher Croff in 2006. In 2024, the Owls captured three of the top four spots among the NE10 tournament competitors: Gagne (first), William Lamburn (second), and Bryan Ryder (fourth). The three were named to the All-Conference First Team. The women’s team also had a strong showing, finishing in fourth place at the event, held at Hopkinton State Fairgrounds in Contoocook, N.H.

■ Chasing Excellence

■ James Barber, ’64, M.S. ’79, Inducted into NE10 Hall of Fame

HOW’S THIS FOR WELL-ROUNDED?

Hunter Dale, ’23, M.S. ’24, earned a master’s degree in exercise science with a perfect 4.0 GPA — repeating his undergraduate success as a physics major and mathematics minor.

He’s a track and field standout as well. In Dale’s final year with the Owls, he brought home four Northeast-10 championship medals: gold (4x400meter team, outdoor), silver (400 hurdles, outdoor), gold (4x400, indoor), and bronze (400 meters, indoor).

The accomplishments continued post-graduation. In July 2024, Dale received the NE10 Men’s Outdoor Track and Field Sports Excellence Award, presented to the top individual from each of the league’s seven spring sports. He also won the title in the indoor track and field category earlier in the season.

He is the third Owl to win two NE10 Sports Excellence Awards in their career. Laura Brustolon, ’10, achieved the honors in 2009-10 for women’s cross country and outdoor track and field. Amanda Burden, ’12 — a three-time winner — was recognized twice for women’s swimming and diving as well as indoor track and field.

The future is decidedly bright for Dale. His graduate research combined his passion for exercise science and competition. He studied asymmetry in collegiate athletes, comparing sprinters to hurdlers. (In layperson’s terms, asymmetry is the difference in performance between left and right limbs.) Fall 2024 saw him back in the classroom and on the track. Dale is teaching an exercise physiology course at Eastern Connecticut State University and is the assistant cross country coach at Edwin O. Smith High School in Mansfield, Conn.

SOUTHERN HALL OF FAMER, FORMER COACH, AND UNIVERSITY LEGEND JAMES BARBER, ’64, M.S. ’79 , was inducted into the Northeast-10 Conference Hall of Fame in 2024. Barber also was a finalist for the prestigious NCAA Division II 50th Anniversary Gold Award.

Barber gave 58 years of dedicated service to Southern and crafted a legacy of change, using his career to advance inclusiveness and access at the institution. A record-setting hurdler as a student-athlete in the early 1960s, and captain and Most Valuable Player of the football team, Barber went on to become a successful Owls coach for almost 25 years, training numerous track champions and 75 All-Americans.

In 1971, Barber launched the Southern Educational Opportunity Program (SEOP), which over time opened the door to a college degree for scores of minority students. He also led the university’s affirmative action office, served as director of Student Supportive Services for more than 20 years and, in his last professional role at the school, helped to advance the university’s mission as director of community engagement. A committed community activist, he founded New Haven’s track and field outreach program for young people, working with more than 4,000 youths over the years.

James Barber, ’64, MS ’79, with NE10 Commissioner Julie Ruppert

Hunter Dale

■ Winningest Baseball Coach Honored

ON OCT. 23, 2024, OWL BASEBALL HEAD COACH TIM SHEA, ’87, M.S. ’97, WAS INDUCTED INTO THE SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT DIAMOND CLUB HALL OF FAME , which honors those who have made significant contributions to baseball in the local area. As of the 2024 season, Shea has completed 23 years as Southern’s head coach. He’s piloted the Owls to seven NCAA tournament appearances (2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2017, 2022) and two NCAA World Series berths (2005, 2011). In May 2019, he became the winningest coach in Southern program history. As a Southern student-athlete, he was a two-year captain for the Owls and led the nation in doubles per game in his senior season of 1987.

Justice Glasgow

Senior biology major with a minor in chemistry

Swimming and diving team

Hometown: Warren, Michigan

Some of many accomplishments:

• Northeast-10 (NE10) Co-Swimmer of the Year in 2024 and 2025

• Two-time NCAA Division II All-American honorable mention (10th place finish both years)

• Southern’s record holder in the 100 butterfly: 54.55 (2023)

2024 NE10 champion in four events: 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle, 200 medley relay, and 400 medley relay. Plus, more NE10 gold medals in 2022 and 2023.

Jumping in: “I used to beg my mother to go to swim at the Y,” says Glasgow, who began competing in seventh grade.

Why fly? “When butterfly first became my stroke, I didn’t want it. No one wants to swim butterfly. It’s hard. It hurts,” says Glasgow, with a smile. The coach of her club team pushed her to practice. “Now it’s my favorite stroke. I love it. It makes me feel strong.”

An Owl at heart: “Coming to Southern was a no-brainer once I saw the beautiful campus,” she says.

Before competition, Glasgow: puts on her “lucky Crocs,” listens to music, and shakes her arms and legs eight times.

Pool goals for 2024-25: finish in the top eight at the NCAA Div. II Championships, set another Southern record, and help more teammates make it to the NCAA tournament.

Southern STEMinist: In high school, Glasgow was in an advanced STEM program, traveling to another school for mathematics, science, and technology classes.

Science at Southern: “Dr. [Miranda] Dunbar’s course on animal behavior was by far my favorite so far,” says Glasgow. She worked with the professor on a study related to aging in bats (see page 14) and will present her work at the Biology Department Symposium in the spring. Glasgow also will complete a capstone research project.

Dream career: “I’m still exploring fields, but I know I want to go into research,” she says.

Favorite Southern spots: the Academic Science and Laboratory Building (second floor, at a window seat above the rock garden) and the Michael J. Adanti Student Center.

Other activities: the Southern Connecticut Outing Club for hikes and other activities, volunteering with teammates at the Y, and Biology Club meetings, when her schedule allows.

Tim Shea

CATCHING THE Night Flyers

by Villia Struyk

Think bats are scary or dangerous?

Professor of Biology Miranda Dunbar wants to change your perception. Bats are clean, social, and essential to agriculture and pest control; one can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes an hour.*

Research on bats may also unlock clues on aging, immunity, and evolution.

UILDING A RESEARCH LABORATORY

is a challenge

Miranda Dunbar, professor of biology, hasn’t needed to tackle.

“The world is my research lab,” says Dunbar, a field biologist who specializes in the study of bats — or more precisely, the physiological ecology of bats, “a fancy phrase that means I look at how bats adapt to different environmental pressures,” she says. There is a lot to investigate.

From left: Miranda Dunbar, professor of biology, and graduate student Keelyn Kotecki, share of passion for bats.

DUNBAR COLLABORATES WITH A DIVERSE GROUP OF CHIROPTEROLOGISTS, AKA BAT EXPERTS.

• She’s assisting researchers at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, who are studying the microbiomes found in the guts of bats. Many bat species have a very limited diet, be it one or a few types of insects, fruit, or blood (hello, vampire bat). Among the questions the team hopes to answer: how do bats get adequate nutrients?

• Dunbar also is working with researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), on research related to aging in bats. The subject: the remains of a captive colony of bats thought to be the oldest in the U.S. before it died out. She and Southern students are developing ways to determine the age of the deceased bats by studying their teeth. UCLA will use technology to test their findings, and there are countless research topics to build on. “Fun fact: relative to their size, bats are one of the longest living animals on the planet. How are they doing that?” asks Dunbar

• But Dunbar’s self-described research “bread-and-butter” is thermoregulation: the ability of an organism to keep its internal temperature within certain boundaries.

“I’m interested in the extremes,” she says.

ATS ARE FOUND ON EVERY CONTINENT EXCEPT ANTARCTICA. Dunbar — who earned a doctorate from the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, Canada — initially focused her research on bat species living in extremely cold environments. The ability to hibernate helps these cold-weather species to survive.

“When bats hibernate, all their physiologies slow down: heart rate, metabolism, respiratory rate, even the immune system,” says Dunbar. “This allows the animal to save very precious energy during a time when energy reserves are of utmost importance.”

Many cold-climate bat species are also known to enter a state of torpor. Think of it as a less extreme, much shorter version of hibernation. Bats might enter torpor daily to conserve energy if, for example, food was scarce.

Like hibernation, in general, torpor was long attributed to bats in cold climates. But Dunbar and a few other researchers had a unique question: Do bats respond the same way in the tropics? “It seemed counterintuitive. Why would bats in the tropics need to hibernate? . . . So, no one really had addressed that question before a few years ago,” says Dunbar.

continued on page 18

When she and a few colleagues began researching bats in the tropics, the results were illuminating. “I almost fell out of my seat,” says Dunbar. “We have evidence now that bats in the tropics are using some of the same physiological adaptation as bats do in cold climates. It’s such a cool discovery that has opened the door to all sorts of potential research.” OVER 5% OF 1,400 BAT SPECIES WORLDWIDE RESIDE IN BELIZE.

Dunbar leads a field study in Belize, where students live and work next to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, which was once a thriving Maya city.

LEARNING IN BELIZE

SINCE 2016, DUNBAR HAS LED A FIELD COURSE IN BELIZE. Running almost two-weeks long, the course is decidedly handson, always respecting students’ comfort levels and focusing on safety.

“I want to meet a huge diversity of interests, so generally, every day has a different theme,” says Dunbar. On “plant day,” students might learn about the trees, flowers and medicinal plants of the rain forest. Another day, students might track monkeys through the rain forest or join a long-term research project focused on a unique species of crocodile. Amid these chance-of-a-lifetime experiences, Dunbar also focuses on her personal passion. “Of course, I also will selfishly include bats. We have a couple of nights when we go out and net for bats,” she says.

ODAY, THAT RESEARCH OFTEN LEADS DUNBAR TO BELIZE

The Central American country is home to at least 75 bat species among the 1,400 found worldwide. It’s also home base for one of the field’s penultimate research events, affectionately known as the Bat-a-thon — or Brock’s Bat-athon, after the event’s founder Brock Fenton, a retired biologist from Western University in Ontario, Canada.

“In my world, it is a very, very big deal,” says Dunbar, of the event held annually, 16 times to date, except during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, 80 bat researchers and assistants from 50 institutions in 15 countries attended the event, which is held adjacent to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, once a Maya metropolis.

This is not your stereotypical scientific gathering. “’There are no papers, there are no presentations, there are no posters,”’ explains Fenton, in a 2024 interview with National Public Radio.

Instead, interaction between the researchers is the driving force. “So much happens over those few weeks,” says Dunbar. In addition to conducting research, people come to the Bat-athon to learn new field-biology techniques, to interview for a research position or doctoral program, or even to practice nature photography, she explains.

But working with bats is the shared theme, “and because we have these esteemed researchers from all over the world, it is hands down one of the best networking and collaborative events, period. What the Bat-a-thon has done for my professional development is unparalleled,” she says.

Dunbar is committed to sharing Belize’s research bounty with tomorrow’s scientists. Each summer, she leads a two-week international education course on field natural history in Belize’s rain forests, grassland savannas, and freshwater lagoons. The course is based at the same eco-lodge as the Bat-a-thon. (See Learning in Belize sidebar.)

Dunbar also brings Southern students to the annual Bat-a-thon; this year, she was accompanied by Keelyn Kotecki, a graduate student majoring in biology. (Kotecki completed her degree in December.) “My students describe the experience as living on a movie set. It just doesn’t seem real. But it is,” says Dunbar, of the Indiana Jones-esque setting. Pressed for details, Dunbar and Kotecki elaborate. Bats are nocturnal (as are the scientists who study them), so imagine that it’s 4 p.m. when the researchers travel into the rain forest toward the ancient Maya temples. The temperature is about 98 degrees Fahrenheit and humid, but the scientists wear pants, long-sleeve shirts, and gloves for protection from the biting insects. A backpack holds water, snacks, dinner, and some basic equipment.

When they reach the designated area, the researchers set up mist nets: rectangular nets made of fine, inconspicuous threads, they’re used for the humane, live capture, and release of the bats. (All of Dunbar’s research is no kill and minimally invasive.)

For Kotecki, it’s the sounds that resonate: “One of the coolest parts of mist netting is hearing the howler monkeys overhead. It’s what I imagine dinosaurs would sound like. It sets the magical tone of the night.”

The scientists wait in anticipation. “The sun is setting and in the darkening sky you start to see these little fuzzy shapes zigzagging overhead, and you know the bats are starting to come out,” says Dunbar. In step with Dunbar’s ongoing research, Kotecki’s work in Belize focused specifically on heterothermy in vampire bats. Her investigation entailed removing bats from the mist nets (those handling the bats receive appropriate vaccinations before traveling), recording data,

From left:

After training, the researchers carefully removed the bats from the mist net, an experience Kotecki likens to untangling a fine, intricate necklace. Kotecki was photographed in the field by a fellow scientist.

including body temperature, and ultimately releasing her subjects back to the night. The research — which formed her graduate thesis — could be among the first papers to attribute torpor specifically to vampire bats.

“I formed such solid connections with the people I lived and worked with,” says Kotecki of her co-researchers in Belize. “These are people I will value as friends and hope to work with forever.”

Kotecki, who was raised in Ledyard, Conn., was always drawn to nature. “A lot of people associate Ledyard with Foxwoods Casino, but there’s also a ton of forested land,” she says. “I lived on a dirt road. I grew up hiking.” In fourth grade, after watching a documentary on clouded leopards, she announced plans to become a zoologist. She’s worked toward that goal ever since — studying animal science in high school, volunteering at nature sites, contributing to citizen science efforts, and majoring in wildlife and conservation biology as an undergraduate at the University of Rhode Island. There, she’d fallen under the spell of bats while studying animal behavior. She credits the research of scientist Gerald Wilkinson who has published extensively on food sharing among vampire bats. “Vampire bats will vomit blood into the mouths of other vampire bats that may be struggling to find enough food,” Kotecki explains.

Her journey to Southern began appropriately enough on a caving trip in upstate New York. She had discovered a group of cavers on Facebook and would join them occasionally to explore the stunning landscape.

On this day, she overheard several people talking about a young woman they knew who was traveling to Belize to study. “I heard Southern, and I heard bats,” said Kotecki. Several google searches and phone calls later, Kotecki was talking with Miranda Dunbar.

Much like her protégée, Dunbar has always loved nature. “From the time I was very young, all I wanted to do was go outside and chase critters. Nothing has changed except now I get paid to do so,” she says.

Dunbar also fell under the spell of bats as an undergraduate — but it was not love at first sight. “We were assigned different topics for homework. Mine was echolocation in bats, while all my friends in the class got the megafauna, the big, sexy animals: bears, lions, whales,” she says.

Dunbar was not amused. She procrastinated. She griped. “But once I read more about these animals, I was blown away by how interesting they are — and, I would argue, how important they are as a research subject.”

Since then, she’s never looked back, driven, in part, by the negativity surrounding her research subject of choice. Bats aren’t the world’s most feared animal — one study by the British Journal of Psychology gave that dubious honor to spiders. Still, bats could use a talented press agent. Pop culture tends to associate bats with vampires and rabies. Bats are nocturnal, not often viewed, and, as Dunbar notes, humans tend to be frightened by the unseen. “When you see a story about this group of animals in the news, often it’s about something icky,” she says. “We need to do a better job of making our press stories a little more equitable by sharing some of the positive things these animals do — because the examples are endless.” ■

*EcoHealth Alliance

BAT FANS

Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight. But, in terms of uniqueness, that’s just the proverbial tip of the iceberg. “This is a group of animals that didn’t read the biology textbook. Think about every [biology] fun fact you’ve ever read, and you’ll find that there is a species of bats out there that does the exact opposite,” says Miranda Dunbar, professor of biology.

Dunbar and Keelyn Kotecki, M.S. ’24, share a few of the reasons they find bats fascinating.

• Bats have strong intricate social bonds and exhibit altruistic behavior. Kotecki uses vampire bats to illustrate: “They will help orphaned babies. They groom each other and will feed other bats that are hungry and can’t get enough food.”

• Bats are important pollinators. For example, they are the sole pollinator for the agave plant, a key ingredient in tequila.

• Bats are nurturing. “We’ve found that mother bats will use an echolocation version of a lullaby to sooth their babies,” says Dunbar.

• Bats consume enough pests to result in a savings of more than $3.7 billion per year on pest control.

• Bats may co-parent. “We even have evidence of lactation in male bats. So, it may be that male bats are participating in levels of parental care that we don’t see in any other male species,” says Dunbar.

• Bats may hold answers to treating illnesses. “Bats — much like all non-human animals — carry a unique assortment of viruses and bacteria. But they rarely get sick. Since COVID19, a lot of research efforts are focusing on the superhuman powers of bats to withstand and be resistant to disease and illnesses,” says Dunbar.

• Bats serve other medical purposes. “For example, Draculin, found in the saliva of vampire bats, is a powerful anticoagulant,” says Kotecki.

• Bats are clean. In fact, many species spend hours a day grooming like a cat.

• Bats are social. “They have friends. They have social groups. They even have other bats they don’t particularly care for that they avoid,” notes Dunbar.

Alexis Holmes (above left and opposite page) and Dawn Stanton, ’90, M.S. ‘97

LYMPIC DREAMS

When it comes to Olympic fervor, Paris has nothing on Southern Connecticut State University and its admiration for gold medalist Alexis Holmes.

N SATURDAY AFTERNOON, AUGUST 10, A SPIRITED CROWD GATHERED ON CAMPUS to watch the women’s 4x400-meter-relay final streaming live from the Paris Olympics. They were there to rally behind Alexis Holmes, a Hamden, Conn., native with strong ties to Southern. Although not a Southern graduate, she is part of the university family: the

A former four-time All-American track star at the university, Stanton has dedicated more than 30 years to Southern, serving in various roles from residence life to student involvement. Since 2019, she’s been director of University Access Programs, overseeing initiatives designed to increase the academic success of students historically underrepresented in higher education. Holmes grew up on campus with many in the Southern community following her evolution into a world-class athlete. And, on that August day, their

Some 3,550 miles away, Stanton was in the stands of the Stade de France, her 24-year-old daughter poised to run the anchor leg as the fourth and last runner on the team — the final 400 meters where the race is

The U.S. had dominated the event, winning it at the past seven Olympics. Still, Stanton felt the pressure upon her daughter. She’d been there the day before for the individual 400-meter final, when Holmes ran her fastest. It was a personal best of 49.77 seconds, which was good enough to place sixth. As they both waited for the starting gun, butterflies cartwheeled through Stanton’s stomach.

She hadn’t anticipated this moment when she and her then-husband, Craig Holmes, Alexis’ father, had signed up their daughter at age 4 for the New Haven Age Group Track Club. They’d just wanted their kids, Alexis and her older brother, CJ, to be active and have a social outlet, encouraging them to play a different sport each season.

loved racing, and enjoyed beating the boys,” she says.

She started running the 100- and 200-meter at North Haven Middle School, then added the 400 and long jump to her repertoire at Amity High School. But at Southern, longtime track coach James Barber, ’64, M.S. ’79, molded her into a triple jumper.

Though Stanton set university records in the 100, 200, and long jump, the triple jump quickly became her favorite event — one she excelled at. She was an NCAA runner-up in the triple jump and earned All-American honors for the indoor and outdoor seasons her junior and senior years. In 2018, she was overjoyed to be inducted into the Owls Athletic Hall of Fame.

When Holmes found her own success as a young runner, she was aware of her mother’s legacy, having heard stories at Southern about Stanton’s triumphs. But it took Stanton a while to awaken to the extent of her young daughter’s talents. She saw Holmes was fast, of course, but figured she was just racing against other kids.

Holmes, in fact, got more attention for playing basketball at Cheshire Academy, attracting loads of scholarship offers. She initially dreamed of following Division I college hoops with a career in the WNBA — but felt something was missing. When Holmes decided to return to track her sophomore year of high school, she discovered her true passion. Stanton had thought her daughter’s future was set, college paid for. Now they were starting over, it seemed. Cheshire didn’t even have a track team. But she and Holmes’ father were supportive, hiring a coach from the New Haven Age Group Track Club and taking their daughter to national competitions.

Any worries the parents had proved unfounded. As a high school senior, Holmes won the 400-meter dash at the New Balance National Track and Field Championship with a meet record time of 51.21 seconds. Performances like that earned her a scholarship to Penn State, where she was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2019. Fueled by her success, Holmes wanted to compete on a larger stage in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which would mean transferring to another university. “That was as hard for me as when she wanted to quit basketball,” says Stanton.

Stanton, who grew up in the New Haven area, understands firsthand the life-changing power of youth sports. Before joining the New Haven Track Club herself around age 9, Stanton had raced kids on her block in spontaneous contests, say from this car to that signpost. She won every time. “I realized at an early age I was fast,

Again, her daughter was leaping into the unknown. But when SEC coaches visited their living room for 10 straight nights to recruit Holmes, Stanton had her epiphany: “That’s when I realized: Wow, she’s really good. Look at all this interest.”

Thc Storytc

Fiction writer Sandi Shelton,’81,

crafts her own happy endings.

By Beth Levine

(aka Maddie Dawson)

llcr

t the age of 6, when many young girls were perfecting their double Dutch or monkey bars skills, Sandi Shelton, ’81, was writing and selling her stories. You might say she was hungry for success. Her mom had refused to provide money for the ice cream man, so Shelton sold a story to a neighbor for 25 cents — enough to buy banana popsicles for the whole family. “To my utter shock, my mother was furious. She bought the story back and said I could never do that again,” Shelton says.

In this case, Shelton was not a good listener. Writing brought possibilities. She had found a way to keep herself in frozen desserts for a lifetime.

Now 72 and writing from her home in Guilford, Conn., under the pen name Maddie Dawson, Shelton has published 11 novels as well as three nonfiction humor books about parenting. (The latter are based on columns she wrote for Working Mother Magazine and the New Haven Register.)

DAN MIMS PHOTO

ut fiction is her bread and butter.

Shelton’s books have been published in 15 countries, including three novels that were on the bestseller list in Italy. Focusing on humorous literary fiction, what she describes as “people stumbling toward love, family, connection, and hope,” Shelton has earned thousands of fivestar reviews on Amazon.

Her latest novel — Let’s Pretend This Will Work — is, like several of her previous books, set in the New Haven area. It’s earned high praise: “Readers looking for a story that captures their

full attention and doesn’t let go will enjoy every page of this book,” sums Booklist.

A WRITER IS BORN

Growing up, Shelton kept crafting stories, even attempting to write a novel longhand at age 11. She got to page 100 before realizing she couldn’t remember the point of the story.

Nothing discouraged her, though, not even her first typewriter, which she received at age 12. It was an old Royal that worked perfectly except for a misaligned “e” key.

“E is a pretty frequent letter and very hard to do without, so I would type c, backspace, and do a hyphen,” she recalls. When Shelton finally got a working typewriter, she promptly named a character Reed, just because she could.

Flash forward to 1977, when Shelton, then 25, arrived in New Haven from California, with her graduatestudent husband and baby. Her college career had been off and on to that point; the couple had agreed that she’d work while he attended college. When they divorced in 1981, Shelton needed

DAN MIMS PHOTO

to finish her college degree to get a decent job to support their now two children. And, well, her writing itch needed scratching. Shelton still longed to be a novelist.

That’s when Southern entered her life. Shelton majored in English but decided to expand her studies and minor in journalism after meeting with Robin Marshall Glassman, then chairwoman of the department. [Glassman, a celebrated journalist and professor, died on Aug. 18, 2009. She is memorialized with an annual scholarship at Southern that bears her name.]

and looking for everybody’s socks,” she says. “I had written and rewritten that novel three separate times, and it had spent more than its fair share of time shoved in a drawer waiting for me to notice it again. I figured I’d be writing it for the rest of my life.”

“She welcomed me and allowed me to take a test to skip the prerequisite Journalism 101 course. She and another professor, Jane HamiltonMerritt, [who retired in 1997,] guided me and convinced me that I could be a journalist,” she says. Their help paid off big-time. Shelton graduated in 1981, winning that year’s journalism award.

After graduation, she was hired at a weekly newspaper, the Branford Review. Three years later, she moved to the New Haven Register, where she wrote news and feature stories for 30 years. As the only single mom on staff, she started writing a weekly column called “Wit’s End,” which won an award from the Associated Press and was picked up by Working Mother. During that time, she also wrote for other magazines including Redbook, Salon, Reader’s Digest, and Woman’s Day. She later returned to Southern to teach journalism and magazine writing for several years as an adjunct. She also taught “Journalism 101” at Gateway Community College.

But the desire to write fiction just wouldn’t let go. Shelton started a novel one summer and worked on it intermittently for the next 17 years. (She constantly had to update it, giving her characters newfangled inventions like answering machines, cell phones, and the internet.) In the meantime, she had gotten remarried to a fellow New Haven Register reporter, and they had another child.

Her life didn’t leave much time for fiction writing. “I wrote in between carpool runs, laundry loads, dioramas, story deadlines, teaching responsibilities,

But here is the crazy part: She sent it to an agent in 2004. When that agent brought What Comes After Crazy to market, it sold in two weeks in a bidding war. “I didn’t know what hit me. This thing that lived in my drawer was a hot commodity. It was surreal,” she says. People magazine called it a “deceptively bouncy, ultimately heartwrenching novel” and the Boston Globe said it was “funny, sad, and almost painfully accurate about human failings.”

After that publication, she was on her way. Her next book was due in 11 months. A third one followed two years later. When she wrote her fourth novel about an older protagonist, a woman about to turn 50, her publisher instructed her to use a pen name so as not to confuse her usual reader.

“I didn’t really want to do it, but I wasn’t given a choice. I decided to call myself Maddie Dawson, because I was mad,” she says. That fourth novel, The Stuff That Never Happened, took off and became a USA Today bestseller So, Maddie stayed Maddie and wrote seven more novels. Her latest was published in June.

Now affectionately known as “Grammy” to six grandchildren, Shelton has come a long way from the determined young woman who first walked into Glassman’s office at Southern. She delivers a new novel about once every year and a half. Her books are humorous novels that deal with family life, kids, work, parenting, love, death, divorce, and the magic of finding the life you were meant to live, even when it doesn’t look exactly as you pictured. Which, in retrospect, sounds a lot like Shelton’s own life. In fact, aficionados say that reading one of her novels is very much like sitting down to dish with a friend. She says, “I always look for the magic, grace, and laughter of everyday life.” And, not to mention, banana popsicles. ■

by Beth Levine

Thomas Hoang, ’18

Graduate Research

Fellow University of California San Diego Health

Gutkind Laboratory, Moores Cancer Center

“IFIT WEREN’T FOR THE STRONG SUPPORT I RECEIVED during my undergrad days at Southern, I would be nowhere close to where I am now in my profession,” says Thomas Hoang, ’18.

And where exactly is Hoang, 29, now? On the other side of the country pursuing a doctorate in biomedical sciences at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) with a research focus on head and neck cancer prevention. Hoang also is studying the biological events that occur when a precancerous oral lesion transitions to cancer. He is slated to graduate in summer 2025.

But let’s back up a bit. Hoang, a first-generation VietnameseAmerican who grew up in East Haven, enrolled at Southern in 2013, following in the footsteps of his uncle and cousin who had already graduated from the

university. (Hoang is the first in his immediate family to attend college.)

After trying several majors, he realized he envied friends who were studying biology and chemistry. “Every time they talked about their work, I would respond with, ’I wish I was doing what you guys are doing,’” he recalls. Soon enough, he switched his focus to biology, which eventually morphed into a biotechnology major with a minor in chemistry.

Life at Southern was busy:

“Going to classes, going to the lab, studying, tutoring, attending Global Brigades [international volunteer] meetings, more studying, and spending time with my friends. I hardly got any sleep,” says Hoang, who tutored students in biology, chemistry, and statistics at what’s now Southern’s Center for Academic Success and Accessibility.

“I was happy to do it because I

enjoyed teaching a lot, and I found it to be a really rewarding experience. I like seeing others succeed,” he says.

Traveling with Global Brigades to Nicaragua to volunteer with medical and public health projects also was gratifying. Hoang and classmates worked with medical professionals who were running free healthcare clinics and helped construction workers build clean water and sanitation infrastructures for several Nicaraguan communities. “It was one of the most amazing and meaningful experiences of my life. We were like a family,” he says.

Research was a cornerstone of Hoang’s undergraduate experience. He joined a team of Southern students who particated in the iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) synthetic biology competition. Working under

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

THOMAS HOANG KNOWS HE IS STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF HIS SOUTHERN MENTORS. “I want to personally thank all the people who helped me at Southern. Together, they were an extraordinary group,” he says.

• Eric Anderson, a part-time faculty member in the Department of Physics, “who taught me how to think more critically and with depth instead of just memorizing facts.”

• James Kearns, associate professor of chemistry, “who spent many late-night hours teaching/mentoring me and inspired me to start working in a research lab.”

• Nicholas Edgington, professor of biology, “who trained me and took care of me during every step of my journey. I owe everything to Dr. Edgington. He has the patience/tolerance of a saint.”

• Christine Broadbridge, executive director of research and innovation at Southern, “who provided me with financial support through the BioPath Program to continue working at Yale as a visiting research student during the academic year.”

• Kathleen De Oliveira, director, and Crystal Cyr, associate director, “for recruiting me to work at the Academic Success Center, [now the Center for Academic Success and Accessibility Services.] I also received a lot of support from Sal Rizza, [director of orientation, transition, and family engagement,] when I worked at the center.”

• Michael Schindel, assistant director of the Office of International Education, “who was like a big brother to me during my time volunteering with the Global Brigades organization.”

• Joe Bertolino (then president of SCSU) “for his leadership and support of my research activities.”

• I also received inspiration, mentorship, and support from the following professors: Therese Bennett [mathematics], Jason Lawrence [English], Raymond Mugno [mathematics], Jiongdong Pang [chemistry], David Peruta, ’05, [mathematics], Elizabeth Roberts [associate dean for STEM], Todd Ryder [chemistry], John Scheuermann [mathematics], Patrick Starvaggi [mathematics], Jeffrey Webb [chemistry], Jonathan Weinbaum [biology], and Winnie Yu [computer science].

the guidance of Nicholas Edgington, professor of biology, the team brought home a medal for designing a biosensor to detect tuberculosis. Hoang continued to work with Edgington through a Howard Hughs Medical Institutesupported program that explores the remarkable diversity of the bacteriophage (viruses that infect bacteria) population.

Hoang’s real-world research was furthered when he was accepted for a summer research internship with Yale University, working in the laboratory of Andre Levchenko, professor of biomedical engineering. There, Hoang was introduced to the world of cancer cell biology, which remains his research topic today.

When Levchenko offered Hoang the opportunity to continue working in the lab after the internship ended, Southern helped

make the dream a reality. Christine Broadbridge, professor of physics who is now also the executive director of research and innovation at Southern, helped Hoang find financial support through the BioPath Program to continue working in the lab during the subsequent fall and spring semesters.

After Hoang graduated, Levchenko offered him a full-time job in biomedical research — and Hoang set his long-term sights on pursuing a doctorate.“Almost everything I did from that point on was with the purpose of fostering the personal and professional development that I felt was necessary for me to be admitted into a good program,” he says.

After two years working with Levchenko, Hoang was accepted into UCSD. His career goal: to design, develop, and manage

clinical trials in the cancer oncology arena.

Today Hoang spends 10-12 hours a day in the lab. Limited free time is spent in the gym or swimming. This Northeasterner has embraced the California lifestyle, dabbling in surfing, ocean swimming, hydrobiking, and relaxing on the beach. But one thing he misses? “New Haven-style pizza, number one in the country in my unprofessional opinion. San Diego's pizza just cannot compare,” he says.

His campus memories are equally fond. “I think about my time at Southern a lot; I even wish I could relive it,” says Hoang. He makes time to connect with former Southern classmates and professors when he visits Connecticut. “I just simply cannot explain with words how meaningful that time was to me,” he says. ■

[from left]

• Southern’s iGEM team on campus

• Hoang at UC San Diego

• Southern’s iGEM team in Boston

by Villia Struyk

Natalie Schriefer, ’14, M.F.A. ’19, navigates the challenges of a writer’s life while embracing her identity.

ATALIE

SCHRIEFER, ’14, M.F.A. ’19, VIVIDLY RECALLS A STORY SHE WROTE AS A CHILD. Typed on a computer in a stylized, hot-pink font, it starred Zelda of the uber-successful gaming franchise. It’s now a family keepsake, and she can picture her mom pulling out those colorful pages. “We all knew you were going to end up writing,” her mother would proudly share. Schriefer lets out a goodnatured laugh: “I just wish someone had told me.”

On a late-August afternoon, Schriefer is talking online about the highs and lows of the writerly life. Recently, the highs have dominated. Schriefer’s workday is split between two part-time positions. She’s an assistant in Southern’s Department of Social Work, supporting doctoral students, helping faculty with editing, and more.

Schriefer also is a successful freelance writer and editor. Among the feathers in her quill: being prominently featured in the May/June 2024 issue of Poets & Writers magazine — including a cover callout. Her article for the magazine’s “The Literary Life” column explores how writing book reviews made her a better writer. Schriefer’s success is further illustrated by her articles on gaming, technology, health, and identity, which have been spotlighted by Bloomberg, CNN, HuffPost, Insider, Inverse, Ms. Magazine, and Wired

A first-generation college student, Schriefer enrolled at Southern with limited expectations. “The goal was to go to college. I didn’t think much beyond that,” she says. Unsure of a major, she eventually chose English with a concentration in creative writing. “Writing was always fun for me,” she explains. Schriefer excelled, graduating magna cum laude, but couldn’t visualize writing as a career option.

An unsatisfying job and a big break from MTV expanded her horizons. She submitted a column which impressed the editors enough to be published on MTV’s main website. While the assignment was unpaid, the MTV name inspired confidence. “That is when the idea of pitching became real, and I thought maybe I should go back to school for this,” she says.

Schriefer enrolled in Southern’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program, grateful for the perspective gained during her time away from college. “Being able to think about myself as a quasi-professional in the MFA program was motivating. I brought more seriousness to my work. It wasn’t just an assignment I had to turn in; it was a story I cared about,” she says.

Southern was also a homecoming. “I had worked extensively with Tim Parrish, [professor of English,] as an undergrad. . . . He is a great reader for my work,” says Schriefer ”He understood what I was trying to do before I did.”

Her professors and peers were incredibly supportive, but aspects of the work were challenging — a situation she attributes to personal struggles. “I was working through some things. I am bisexual, and I was super not OK with that at the time,” she says.

Her ambivalence was reflected in her graduate work. She recalls writing stories with queer characters because, “Hey, it’s just fiction,” and “Yes, I am an ally,” and “No way, is this real.” When peers and her professors sometimes found something missing in a narrative, Schriefer’s reaction was swift: “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

But writing can be introspective, and as Schriefer began taking herself more seriously as a writer, the questions deepened. “If I was writing about fake characters in fake situations, why was I fearful? What was I afraid of? Why was I holding back?” she recalls wondering.

She continues: “It started me on a path where I was eventually able to say, maybe I don’t need to hide in fiction. That was perhaps the most useful thing about the program . . . digging deeper in conversation with myself.”

Still, Schriefer’s life during and after graduate school was exceedingly busy; she balanced coursework, multiple jobs, volunteer work, and helping to care for her grandmother with dementia. The COVID-19 pandemic — which shuttered the world one year after she completed her MFA in 2019 — provided an unexpected opportunity for reflection.

“I had to sit with myself because I had no other choice,” she says of simplifying life and connecting with resources to explore her identity.

In true fashion, Schriefer ultimately came out in writing. “I did not do the traditional, ‘Mom, dad, I’m gay.’ No, I wrote an essay about it and sold it to DAME magazine,” she says. Despite her initial fears about its publication, she found acceptance, relief, peace, and validation: “It made me feel like a real bisexual. And a real writer.” ■

Wise OWLS

OPHOMORE ELEMENTARY

EDUCATION MAJOR COLE BROWN WAS A FAN OF HONORS EDUCATION FROM THE GET-GO. In fact, the Newtown High School graduate only applied to colleges with strong honors programs, designed for academically talented and highly motivated students. (In addition to Southern, he was accepted to programs at Eastern Connecticut State, Hofstra, and Salve Regina.)

“Out of all these honors programs, Southern’s was the most interesting,” says Brown. “The others instantly accepted or denied you based on GPA and similar considerations. Southern had a full screening process, including interviews and an essay day. You knew there was depth to the program.”

In contrast, Southern’s Honors College initially wasn’t on Katelyn Miller’s radar. Miller, now a graduate of Southern’s Class of 2023, had planned to attend the State University of New York Oswego but didn’t receive enough financial aid.

“There was a point when I didn’t think I could afford college. But I applied very late to Southern through rolling admissions,” says Miller. The deadline to apply to the Honors College and receive scholarship support had passed. But Miller, who had earned an honors diploma in high school, was unfazed.

“Truthfully, I was jaded by the word honors. I had thought if I did my best, did everything correctly, opportunities would open for me — and that didn’t happen,” she says.

Flash forward to Miller’s first semester at Southern. She was excelling, and a professor, noting her academic promise, repeatedly suggested she belonged in the Honors College. Miller’s response: thanks, but no thanks.

Eventually, that same professor made an appointment for Miller to meet with Professor of Music Terese Gemme, then director of the Honors College. “She was amazing: kind, calming, encouraging,” recalls Miller. Miller successfully

applied and then transferred into Honors, albeit initially without scholarship funding.

Brown and Miller, with their unique academic journeys, both found success in the Honors College. Brown hopes to complete his undergraduate and master’s degrees in five years. He’s had a 30-hour placement in a kindergarten classroom, is an executive board member of several student organizations, and tutors at Southern’s Center for Academic Success and Accessibility Services (CASAS).

Meanwhile, Miller is pursuing a graduate degree in ecology and evolution at Sacramento State University in California, where she’s researching the roosting behavior of bats. She first studied them at Southern, then gained more undergrad research experience working at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. (She’s credited on a soon-to-be-published academic paper on plant pathology in apple trees.)

Ultimately, she plans to earn a doctorate and become a professor — providing the “special level of support I received

as an undergrad,” she says. “I cannot emphasize this enough; without the Honors College these opportunities wouldn’t have been possible,” says Miller, who is the first in her family to graduate from high school as well as college.

DESIGNED FOR SUCCESS

Both students’ academic success is telling, reflecting the Honor College’s historical student-retention rate of well over 90 percent — a figure on par with many highly selective, private colleges and universities.

About 150-plus students are enrolled in the program and plans are in place to expand its reach. “We have ambitious but realistic plans to double the size of the Honors College in about five years,” says Sarah Roe, associate professor of history, who is leading the charge. Since August, she’s served as director of the program, succeeding Gemme who expertly guided the Honors College for 22-plus years. The new Honors College team also includes assistant directors Miranda Dunbar,

With

a focus on building community while meeting scholars’ unique needs, the Honors College helps students reach their fullest potential as thinkers and leaders.

The Honors College team (from left): Gayle Bessenoff, associate professor of psychology; Darcy Kern, associate professor of history; Sarah Roe, director of the Honors College and associate professor of history; Jen Ng, university assistant; and Miranda Dunbar, professor of biology

professor of biology, and Darcy Kern, associate professor of history. Gayle Bessenoff, associate professor of psychology, is the university thesis chair.

The Honors College, which launched in 1982, will retain many of the components that have long supported student success.

• First-year and transfer students can apply and may select any major.

• Honors courses, which generally are interdisciplinary in nature and team taught, replace most of the alluniversity required courses.

• Class size is limited to promote student-faculty interaction and dialogue. First-year honors courses typically have 15 students; upper-level honors courses are designed for under 20.

• Students complete an honors capstone focused on study abroad, thesis research, or community service.

HE HONORS COLLEGE WILL CONTINUE TO OFFER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL INCENTIVES AS WELL. Honors students receive generous scholarship support throughout all four years of their undergraduate education.

So, what else can Honors College students expect? “Basically, our goal is to provide what each student needs to succeed. We are looking at students holistically and meeting them where they are,” says Roe.

She notes increased interest from commuting students, some of whom are traveling from outside neighboring areas. Many students also are entering the program with extensive college credits earned in high school.

“We don’t want to ask them to take classes that are reminiscent of those they’ve already taken or to hold off on research. I don’t like to dampen people’s motivation,” says Roe. Exemplifying this commitment, HON 270 (Scientific Investigation) has been revised. “We are adding a lab component so students can participate in actual research alongside the faculty member teaching the course,” Roe says.

The leadership team also is focused on building a sense of community — particularly important after the forced isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers a livinglearning community for Honors students in the West Residence Complex.

The Honors College Library, located in Engleman Hall, also was updated with comfort in mind, offering complimentary refreshments and even holiday decorations. A self-service keypad entry to the Honors College Library will further extend access for students.

First-year student Hauwa Mahe, who commutes from Waterbury, appreciates the effort. Directly admitted to the nursing program, she came to Southern with about a year’s worth of college credits earned during high school. From her first semester, she’s visited the Honors College Library almost daily. “It’s a great spot to study, relax, and talk to someone,” she says.

Among other recent developments: more educational and social events held on and off campus as well as on weekends; Honors Collegebranded apparel; and a biweekly online newsletter highlighting important deadlines and events. The latter includes everything from a stress-reducing casual paint night to a seminar on quantum physics. “It’s an energy we are trying to create — a sense of belonging and engagement,” says Dunbar.

STUDENTS ARE FEELING THE GOOD VIBES. Recently, we caught up with several, who shared their thoughts on the many benefits provided through the Honors College.

• Priority registration is a tremendous benefit says Arthur Baldon De Oliveira, a senior who is majoring in biology: “We are almost guaranteed to get into any classes we want — and that’s not only for honors courses but for every class.”

Baldon De Oliveira, who came to the U.S. from Brazil, speaks three languages: Portuguese, Spanish, and English — the latter being the most recently acquired. He lauds the Honors College’s emphasis on writing, which begins in freshman year. “We write a lot. Read a lot. Debate a lot. . . . After Honors 150 [Introduction to Critical Inquiry], I could write anything I needed to be successful in my college classes,” he says.

• A flexible capstone focused on study abroad, thesis research, or community service helps students meet their career goals. Psychology major Heather Rae Gaydowen found her focus in thesis research. She’s working in the Stress, Anxiety, and Wellbeing Lab led by Christopher Budnick, assistant professor of psychology and will study maladaptive daydreaming in the workplace for her Honors thesis.

Professors offer academic advising to students in an Honors College class.

• International travel opportunities also abound. In June 2024 under Roe’s direction, the Honors College offered its first international education experience. Based in Barcelona, Spain, the two-week program allowed Honors College students to earn up to six credits. Senior Anna Vilenski also is focusing her Honors capstone on the trip, creating a stunning portfolio complete with poetry and intricate artwork. A business administration major with a minor in arts administration and cultural advocacy, she hopes to build a career in marketing for museums, arts organization, and other nonprofits. “I am so thankful for the professors’ willingness to let me focus on creativity,” says Vilenski. “It encouraged me to pursue a path I was interested in but hadn’t pursued.”

Looking forward, a new study abroad program in Belize will let students participate in one or more projects focused on reforestation and conservation, women’s collectives, ecotourism, and/or curriculum development and outreach in village schools.

• Nursing major Berenice Giron lauds the depth of the Honors courses. Hon 398 (Artistic Responses to Genocide) was a particular standout. The course explored the topic through history, memoir, art, politics, and popular thought. “It was a class that quite literally shook me to the core,” she says.

• For nursing major Javen Jaranilla the challenging curriculum furthers a commitment to excellence. Jaranilla, who commutes from New Haven, was in the honors program at Hillhouse High School and welcomes the opportunity to focus on critical thinking and writing. “I have high expectations for myself,” she says. “I’m always looking to learn more.” ■

A DOG NAMEDJUSTICE

by Villia Struyk

OUTHERN’S WEST CAMPUS RESIDENCE COMPLEX IS HOME TO A UNIQUE SET OF ROOMMATES. Meet Justice, a 9-month-old yellow Labrador retriever being raised by sophomore Ella Bernegger.

Bernegger is an English major and member of Southern’s Honors College. She’s also the founder and president of Guiding Eyes Puppy Raising at SCSU. Her mission: to share with fellow Southern students the rewards of preparing a puppy for training as a guide dog.

Justice came to Southern from Guiding Eyes for the Blind, which has been providing guide dogs, free of charge, to people with vision loss for more than 70 years. It’s a big job. It takes an average of two years to train a guide dog, including 16 months of socialization, basic obedience, and relationship building provided by volunteer puppy raisers.

Unfortunately, volunteer levels are down. “With people guarding their time closely or traveling more since the borders opened after the COVID-19 restrictions lifted, we are seeing a huge downturn in volunteers,” notes Maureen Hollis, regional puppy instructor with Guiding Eyes. It’s not uncommon for someone to wait up to three years for a trained guide dog.

The Bernegger family has a long connection to Guiding Eyes. Mary Bernegger, Ella’s mother, is a retired police officer with the Orange Police Department. “She worked with a K-9 partner, Trent, for about seven years,” says Bernegger. Trent initially had “failed out” of guide dog training (as do about 50 percent of dogs evaluated), before finding his true calling in narcotics detection. After a successful career, Bernegger and her K-9 partner retired together, and Trent became a full-time family dog.

Justice relaxes with (left) Ella Bernegger, founder and president of Guiding Eyes Puppy Raising at SCSU, and Cole Brown, an executive board member of the club.

Reflecting on Southern’s commitment to social justice and inclusion, Bernegger envisioned a similar, student-run organization dedicated to raising Guiding Eyes puppies on Southern’s campus. “Trent was the most wonderful dog. This is my tribute to him,” she says.

HEN HE DIED IN JUNE 2023, ELLA WAS DEVASTATED. While mourning, she thought back on Trent’s youth. She had remained in touch with the person who raised Trent as a puppy through a Guiding Eyes-associated program at the University of Delaware some 10 years earlier.

Guiding Eyes specific. The two attend classes with Guiding Eyes twice a month, traveling to Deep River or Wallingford. “People are afraid to have badly behaved dogs in their communities. But our dogs are required to attend classes on a regular basic. Our puppy raisers must attend a rigorous pre-placement program and all training [sessions] for the duration of the time they have their dog. We assess the dogs on a regular basis as well,” says Hollis, noting that insurance is also provided through the organization.

The biggest part of training is socialization. “Showing him the way the world works, because without that knowledge he cannot do his job,” says Bernegger.

Working with campus officials and Guiding Eyes, Bernegger’s dream began to take shape. Days after finishing finals in spring 2024, Bernegger welcomed Justice to her family’s home in Prospect, Conn. He was 10 weeks old, one of a litter of 14. “Very smart, very sweet, and very social,” says Bernegger, who was tasked by Guiding Eyes for the Blind with providing early socialization. “It is all about building a bond with this dog,” she says. Justice was about 4 months old when the duo moved into their campus suite in August. “They absolutely love him,” says Bernegger of her three suitemates.

The student club has a loyal following as well: 150 students are members with about 40 typically attending biweekly meetings. Guidance comes from club advisers Kelly Mabry, professor of communication disorders, and Scott Ellis, professor of English, both of whom have raised Guiding Eyes puppies.

The club offers many opportunities. “Maybe you are interested in learning how to raise a puppy, training to become a puppy sitter, or fundraising. This club also is a base where people can relax and volunteer together in the community,” says Bernegger.

PUPPY RAISING

Justice doesn’t sit in on college classes. But the puppy does accom pany nursing major Sydney Crockett, ’27 — a suitemate and trained puppy sitter — to her job at Southern’s Buley Library. “He has quite a little family there,” says Bernegger. (Sophomore interdisciplinary studies major Alyssa Murphy is also a newly minted sitter.)

Student interest cuts across all majors. In addition to Bernegger, Crockett, and Murphy, the organiza tion’s executive board includes Cole Brown (an elementary education major), Grace Huber (social work), Leo Jolly (biology), and Dakota Willette (theatre).

On campus, Bernegger works with Justice on obedience and house hold manners — everything from staying off the couch to not barking inappropri ately. She also provides basic training: heeling, sitting, and other commands that are

And so, Justice is out and about — meeting folks on campus walks; participating in a Paws and Reflect campus yoga class; hanging with Jules, Southern’s K-9 police dog; even dressing up for the city of New Haven Trunk or Treat celebration on campus. (Club members appropriately went as the Justice League.) “You start with a dog, you end with a community,” Bernegger says.

The organization will help raise Justice until he is about 16 months old. After, he’ll graduate to Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s main campus in New York. There, he’ll take the in-for-training test, which assesses a dog’s ability to adapt to new people, environments, and other dogs.

If Justice passes, he’ll graduate to formal harness training, spending a minimum of five-months learning behaviors and commands specific to being a guide dog. That’s everything from leading their handlers around obstacles to indicating stairs and street curbs.

“Working with a guide dog is an experience like no other,” says Melissa Carney, the community outreach and graduate support manager at Guiding Eyes for the Blind. A dog handler herself, Carney travels with a male yellow Labrador named Aron, and recently visited Southern to speak with students in the puppy raising club. “A guide dog offers someone who is blind or visually impaired the freedom of mobility and choice,” she says.

For pups who don’t meet the requirements for a guide dog, the program looks at other service work opportunities (perhaps, narcotics detection, like Trent). Finally, if those alternatives are not a good fit, the dog is placed in a loving home through public adoption.

As for Justice, it’s still early days, but Bernegger is optimistic. “It is high marks all around,” she says. She’s equally enthusiastic about the club’s future.

To date, only a one-year exemption has been granted to allow Justice to live in the residence hall. But Bernegger is working to change policy, so the club can continue with a new dog next year. On campus, she’s receiving guidance from Residence Life and the Center for Academic Success and Accessibility Services (CASAS) as well as the Women’s Leadership Academy. The latter is open to students through Southern’s School of Business.

In Praise of Perseverance

ACH SPRING, MORE

THAN 50 PEOPLE

GATHER NEAR

Gale

and Patrick Dilger honor the memory of beloved family members while supporting Southern students.

ALEXANDRA’S GARDEN, a peaceful oasis in the backyard of Patrick and Gale Dilger’s home in Deep River, Conn.

The garden, which houses a birdhouse and several statues (including a sweet cat with angel wings), honors the memory of the couple’s extraordinary daughter Alexandra, who passed in 2018. It’s an inspiring location for the annual Alexandra Dilger Awards Ceremony, which for the past five years has celebrated young adults who are neurodiverse and striving for greater independence while reaching for their dreams.

In 2024, Southern senior Dejon Knight was one of eight honorees. Knight, who was born with cerebral palsy, is well on his way to achieving his goal of earning a bachelor’s degree. (We’ll share more of his story later.)

In 2022, the Dilgers also established the John A. and Teresa Dilger Endowed Scholarship at Southern in honor of Patrick’s parents. The scholarship benefits undergraduate and graduate students with preference

given to first-generation college students.

It’s a population that’s near and dear to the couple’s hearts. Gale’s father owned a television repair shop and didn’t attend college. But her mother, a longtime teacher, earned a college degree. “I am so grateful they could send all three of us to college,” says Gale, who has two brothers and has worked with children with special needs for the past 12 years as a paraprofessional at Essex Elementary School. “College isn’t for everyone. But our family strongly believes it can be a life-changing opportunity for those who choose it.”

Patrick echoes this sentiment, noting that the scholarship is an ideal way to honor his parents, John and Teresa: “My parents did not have access to higher education.”

Raised in New Zealand, Patrick is a first-generation college student, like 57 percent of Southern students today. For nearly three decades, he’s served as director of Southern’s Office of Integrated Communications & Marketing — guiding the department’s transition from mailed press releases to the launch of the university’s website and rise of social media.

Through it all, Southern, with its mission of access and upward mobility, has held true to its support of firstgeneration students. “Learning about these students’ challenges and triumphs and sharing their stories of perseverance has been a constant throughout my career,” he says.

In direct contrast, his father John never had the opportunity to attend college. The second eldest of nine siblings, he was raised in Ennis, a small town on the West Coast of Ireland. John was forced to quit school around age 13 following the death of his father. He held a variety of jobs — from busboy to golf caddy to laborer — before traveling to England, where he joined the railroad.

Some six years later, John booked passage on an immigrant ship bound for Australia and ultimately made his way to New Zealand. There, John met his future wife Teresa at a dance. A high school graduate, she worked as a hairdresser then became a secretary. “They were a great couple, married for 56 years,” says Patrick.

He is the couple’s only child, raised in a modest but comfortable, loving home in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. “My dad told me I could be anything I wanted as long as I didn’t work for the railroad,” he says with a laugh. Patrick earned an undergraduate degree in history and English at the University of Auckland and, with the support of a Rotary Foundation Scholarship, pursued a graduate degree in journalism in the U.S. at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“My parents flew halfway round the world to attend my graduation at UNC, and my mother had to give up her job to do that, because her employer wouldn’t give her the time off.

I remember telling my parents, this diploma is for you,” he says.

Patrick and Gale met at a New Year’s Eve party, sealing his decision to remain in the U.S.

Then, after covering the higher education beat for the New Haven Register, he came to Southern where his responsibilities include shared oversight of Southern’s graduation ceremonies.

“I love being at commencement, seeing the joy of the parents and the graduates when they go up to get their degrees,” says Patrick. “It’s my favorite day, and it always reminds me of my parents.”

One student’s big dream

Dejon Knight is among the many Southern seniors who has graduation in sight, and a grant from the Alexandra Dilger Award Fund is helping him make the most of his final semesters. The fund, managed in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, provides individual grants of up to several thousand dollars. Knight is the first Southern student to receive the award, which benefits young adults who are neurodiverse and striving to achieve a particular goal. Past grants have funded items and services including assistive technology, tutoring, online art classes, adaptive driving lessons, and specialized tools and equipment.

The awards aptly reflect Alexandra’s own persistence and determination. She attended Landmark College in Vermont and lived a rich and fulfilling life despite personal challenges with depression and anxiety. Alexandra was planning to study abroad in Botswana and hoped to attend graduate school. Her passions included “animals great and small,” independent film, art, travel, and literature (from graphic novels to the works of Kafka and Dostoevsky).

“Our daughter was a young woman of very eclectic interests. She had a beautiful mind and a tender heart,” says Patrick.

The family often planned vacations around her literary interests. Alexandra famously read James Joyce’s Ulysses in its entirety in five days while visiting Dublin.

“We had wonderful trips,” says Gale. “We were so proud of her, because life could be very challenging, and she did struggle. . . . But she persevered and was able to get on the plane, see new places, and explore so many interests.”

Dejon Knight, who was born with cerebral palsy, shares Alexandra’s determination. “He is very independent, an

Clockwise from left: Gale and Patrick Dilger; Alexandra Dilger; and Patrick celebrates his graduate commencement with parents John and Teresa

Alumni Come Home

OME 3,000 MEMBERS OF THE SOUTHERN COMMUNITY — INCLUDING ALUMNI, STUDENTS, AND THEIR FAMILIES — GATHERED ON OCTOBER 5 UNDER PICTURE-PERFECT AUTUMN SKIES TO CELEBRATE

HOMECOMING AND FAMILY DAY 2024. Alumni representing classes spanning 60-plus years attended events held throughout campus, including a lively tailgate and Owl Town (a chance to meet with athletics coaches, alumni and current players, and university leaders). Some cheered on current student-athletes who competed in football, field hockey, and women’s soccer — or got an insider’s view of fast-paced basketball practice sessions. Other Southern grads relived their glory days on the field while competing in alumni baseball, softball, and lacrosse games. Above all, it was a time to celebrate and reconnect with guests enjoying campus tours, music, carnival-style games, and activities for children.

to Southern

HOMECOMING ALSO PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE THANKS. More than 120 people attended the Athletic Donor Reception, held at Haven Beer Company on Oct. 4. In all, $60,000 was raised through the Owl Way Campaign in support of athletics and recreation funding and scholarships. ■

SEE HIGHLIGHTS AT go.SouthernCT.edu/homecoming/highlights.php

■ From Earth to Eternity

When Dawn Amore thinks of her late mother, Enrica Pizzorusso Amore, ’65, M.A. ’71, she often looks to the sky. “I can truly say she’s in the heavens,” says Dawn, reflecting on her mother’s final voyage — a memorial spaceflight launched on Jan. 8, 2024, from Cape Canaveral, Fla., into deep space.

Spaceflight memorials, which carry DNA and cremated remains of loved ones, were first offered by Celestis, a company based in Houston, in 1997. But the Enterprise Flight, which is ferrying the DNA and ashes of about 200 people, including Enrica, is particularly unique. For the first time, all are slated to travel beyond the Earth-Moon System and the James Webb Space Telescope, into interplanetary deep space on a neverending journey through the cosmos.

A former longtime educator, Enrica Amore died in 2019 at age 75 from a heart attack. It was unexpected, says Dawn, and planning a funeral was challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrica was cremated. Years later, the memorial spaceflight offered a fitting way to honor Enrica. “My mom loved traveling, and she believed travel was the best way to learn,” says Dawn.

Enrica taught social studies at Michael J. Whalen Junior High School. American history was her passion, particularly the U.S. Colonial Period. “Her favorite presidents were George Washington and John F. Kennedy,” says Dawn, noting that DNA from both presidents is traveling on the flight as well. “It was clearly meant for her,” she says. (DNA from Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry as well as original cast members also is on board, another welcome

connection for the franchise fan.)

The experience surpassed the family’s hopes. They may continue to view the flight track on a live online feed.

The launch — which Dawn likens to seeing the Star of Bethlehem “cruising up to the heavens” — was spectacular. They watched the night flight from a nearby park located a safe distance from the launch pad. Dawn initially was disappointed, fearing low visibility.

“But it turns out that a night flight is the absolute best,” she says. She recalls waiting in complete darkness for liftoff. “It’s like daybreak when the rocket ship takes off,” she says, of the full-sensory experience. “Because light travels faster than sound, you first see it, and then you hear it, then you feel it,” she says.

The gathered families broke into spontaneous cheering. It’s not the usual response at a memorial, but it was perfect, says Dawn: “As the rocket went up, I felt a sense of peace and solace I wasn’t expecting.”

— By Villia Struyk

Clockwise from top: the Enterprise Flight liftoff; Dawn Amore at the launch site; mother and daughter enjoying an outing; and a yearbook photo of the late Enrica Amore, ’65, M.A. ’71

■ Welcoming Alumni Board Members

FIVE SOUTHERN GRADUATES ARE NEWLY ELECTED to the SCSU Alumni Association Board of Directors to serve for the 2024-27 term.

A licensed social worker with nearly a decade of experience, Antoinette Badillo, ’15, works at the Juvenile Justice Mental Health Program at Yale University. A longtime social justice advocate, she joined Southern’s college chapter of the NAACP in 2012 and has remained an active member in the Greater New Haven area. Badillo is a certified yoga teacher and a social emotional learning facilitator.

Secrett Hampton, ’03, majored in sociology and minored in psychology at Southern. After years of service at the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch, Hampton earned two master’s degrees at Albertus Magnus College: one in leadership and the latter in business administration. She is training to be a parole officer for the Connecticut Department of Corrections.

Leah Secondo, ’84, a sports broadcaster who has covered events at the college, professional, and Olympic levels, celebrated her 40th anniversary in the field in 2024. A resident of Florida’s Gulf Coast, she also has built a successful real estate business with Michael Saunders & Company. Her philanthropic efforts include co-founding Bailey’s Buddies, a nonprofit foundation established in memory of her dog Bailey who died from canine cancer.

Deborah Smith, ’85, graduated from Southern at the age of 35 with a degree in political science and a minor in French. In 1987, she earned a graduate degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. Her career in government service includes 10 years as a political analyst in the United States Department of State, focusing on oil and gas issues in the former Soviet Union. She later served 15 years as a foreign service officer in American embassies in Yemen, Lebanon, Bulgaria, Turkey, and the U.S. Mission to NATO in Belgium. After 27 years of service in the U.S. government, she retired to the Washington, D.C., area.

Malaysia Young, ’17, a compliance professional in the mental healthcare field, was extremely active in the university community, both as a student and a graduate. At Southern, she earned a degree in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in psychology and management and later received a master’s degree in human services at another institution of higher learning.

2024-25

SCSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Stacey Fields, ’15, President

Eduardo Foster, ’02, Vice President

Morris Patton, ’97, Treasurer

Joseph (Joey) Linebarger, ’15, Secretary

Antoinette Badillo, ’15

Madison (Madi) Csejka, ’19

Binod Dahal, ’19, MBA ’21

Rachael Davis, ’06

Secrett Hampton, ’03

Aba Hayford, ’10

Laeticia Iboki, ’16

Aaron Johnson, ’04

Leo Kivijarv, ’74

Patricia Miller, ’69, M.S. ’75, 6th Yr. ’81, emeritus

Sarah [Lauture] Pullen, ’15

Leah Secondo, ’84

Daniel Shields, ’96, M.A. ’99

Deborah Smith, ’85

Anthony Tamburri, ’71

Carolyn Vanacore ’52, M.S. ’68, 6th Yr. ’73, emeritus

Brian West, ’80

Malaysia Young, ’17

Southern Connecticut State University Office of Alumni Relations

501 Crescent Street

New Haven, CT 06515

Gregory Bernard, ’04, Director BernardG2@SouthernCT.edu

Doreen Cammarata-Gilhuly, ’89, Associate Director GilhulyD1@SouthernCT.edu

■ Owls Honored as Top Educators

FOUNDED IN 1893 AS A TEACHERS

COLLEGE , Southern has a long history of educating the educators — with impressive results. Owls have been consistently recognized as “Top Educators” at city and state levels and beyond. Southern graduates have won Milken Educator Awards (with its $25,000 prize), Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, and more. In 2016, Jahana Hayes, ’05, was named the National Teacher of the Year; she went on to be elected to the United States Congress, representing Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District. This history of excellence continues. Congratulations to these alumni honorees who recently were recognized at the state level.

2025 Connecticut Teacher of the Year

Julia Miller, 6th Yr. ’23

Civics teacher at Metropolitan Business Academy, New Haven

2024 Connecticut Superintendent of the Year from the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents

Joseph Macary, 6th Yr. ’07 Vernon Public Schools

2024 High School Principal of the Year from the Connecticut Association of Schools

Kurt Ogren, M.S. ’94, 6th Yr. ’01 Woodland Regional High School, Beacon Falls

Prospective Teacher of Color Scholarship Recipient as announced by the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council

Ramzie Highsmith, M.A.T. ’24

Art teacher at Edgewood STEAM Magnet School, New Haven

Early Career Educator of Excellence from the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance

Sarah Pullen, ’15

Founding school counselor at KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) Antioch College Prep Middle School

2024-25 COLT

(Connecticut Council of Language Teachers) Teacher of the Year

Catherine Haase, M.A. ’18

Spanish teacher, Torrington Public Schools

2024 Connecticut History Teacher of the Year from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Rhonan Mokriski, M.S. ’96

Salisbury School, an all-boys, college-preparatory boarding school

Are you a recent award-winning educator? Southern would love to share your good news. Send us information on the honoree and their high-resolution photograph to StruykV1@SouthernCT.edu.

■ NAS Honors Grad

BENIKA DIXON, M.P.H. ’11, an assistant professor at Texas A&M University School of Public Health, has been named a Kavli Fellow. This prestigious fellowship, awarded annually by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), recognizes the brightest young scientists who are age 45 or younger.

Dixon’s research focuses on the mental and physical health implications of environmental exposures, hazards, and disasters on vulnerable populations. Her current work centers on inmates in the Texas prison system.

■ Good Work

AUDREY BLONDIN, ’75 , is an attorney with the Blondin Law Office in Torrington. She and Dr. Matthew Blondin are the founders of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity — Connecticut (VOSH-CT), which holds yearly eye clinics for those in need in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. The organization, which recently held its 20th anniversary clinic, has cared for more than 60,000 patients. Blondin (seated left) graduated from Temple University School of Law.

■ National Honor for Babby Nuhn

BABBY NUHN, ’72, M.S. ’77, 6TH YR. ’86 , is no stranger to winning. In November 2023, the talented coach led North Branford High School’s field hockey team to the Class S championship title — capping off a perfect 22-0 regular season. It was Nuhn’s third consecutive tournament victory and her seventh overall since she began coaching for North Branford in 1972.

It’s an exceptional record — one that places Nuhn in a league of her own and, in 2024, she was named the National Coach of the Year for Special Sports. The award was presented by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association in June at the organization’s annual convention in Bismarck, N.D. Nuhn was one of only two high school coaches in all New England to be recognized. New Canaan football coach Lou Marinelli was the only other Connecticut coach honored.

Nuhn is quick to share the credit: “Our coaching staff is beyond talented with their own great skills as well as expertise with game strategies and concepts.”

Nuhn has been inducted into halls of fame run by three major athletics organizations: the Connecticut High School Coaches Association (1998), the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (2019), and the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (2024). She’s also garnered numerous coach of the year honors, and in 2023, received the prestigious Gold Key Award from the Connecticut Sports Media Alliance, one of the highest accolades in state sports.

Babby Nuhn (seated left) was honored alongside the other National Coach of the Year recipients.

Reunion News

FOR INVITATIONS TO ALUMNI EVENTS AND RELATED NEWS, update your contact information at SouthernCT.edu/alumni/update-alumni-information. Please use the same form to submit Alumni Notes to Southern Alumni Magazine. Thank you!

1960s

LAWRENCE CLINTON, ’66, retired from a psychiatric practice after 50 years of serving the community in Vineland, N.J. He was a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

1970s

LORRAINE DIXON, ’71, M.S. ’75, 6th Yr. ’83, was reelected for a third term as chaplain of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Connecticut.

ANN BARNHART, ’76, M.S.N. ’89, was named vice chair of the board of trustees of the Polk State College District in Florida. Barnhart is vice president of strategy for the AdventHealth West Florida Division.

1980s

DR. PAUL DEPONTE, ’82, retired after 20 years as the medical director for Florida Flight 1, the Air Medical Transport Program for Florida Hospital in Orlando.

ROBIN DEARY FILLMORE, ’82, the owner of Deary’s Gymnastics in Danielson, Conn., received the 2024 Business Leader of the Year Award from the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. Deary Fillmore started the gym after graduating from Southern where she was an All-American gymnast on the balance beam. She also was inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

LORI CHMURA, ’87, has been elected to serve as chair of the board of directors of BlueWind Medical. Chmura is the chief executive officer and board director at Nyra Medical, a medical device company. She earned a nursing degree at Southern.

JEANNETTE BRODEUR, ’89, marked her two-year anniversary in August as the communications assistant for the State of Connecticut Office of the Probate Court Administrator. Brodeur majored in journalism at Southern and has three children: Harley, Aaron, and Jillian Schein. Harley graduated from Southern in 2023 with a degree in English.

1990s

ROBERT JOVEN, ’91, the university librarian at Quinnipiac University, is one of only six recipients of the 2024 Quinnipiac Center for Faculty and Staff Excellence Award. Joven joined the university in 2012; he previously worked at New York University, Yale University, and the University of Connecticut.

SHARI VALENCIC, ’91, retired from teaching after 34 years in Florida public schools. She then unretired to become the international baccalaureate coordinator at West High School in Knoxville, Tenn.

JOHN EMRA, ’92, was welcomed to the board of directors of the United Way of Connecticut. As president of the Atlantic Region for AT&T, Emra leads the company’s strategy, policy, and corporate affairs activities in addition to guiding governmental and community policy decisions. He also serves on the board of directors of the SCSU Foundation, the Connecticut Association for the Performing Arts, CBIA (a leading business organization), the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and the YMCA of Greater New York.

THOMAS O’CONNELL, ’92, M.L.S. ’98, was appointed director of the Grafton Public Library in Massachusetts. He is responsible for the management, operation, and leadership of programs and services.

LOUIS GIANQUINTO, ’94, was recognized by the Hartford Business Journal on its “2024 Power 25 Health Care” list. Gianquinto is the president and general manager of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut, a position he’s held since November 2020.

MATTHEW RONSHEIM, ’95, was named chief operating officer at Xenon Pharmaceuticals, a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company based in Boston. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Southern and a doctorate in synthetic organic chemistry from the University of New Hampshire.

CHRISTINE DAVIS, ’96, M.A. ’05, 6th Yr. ’14, is being honored as the 2025 Teacher of the Year for Ansonia Public Schools. She’s worked as a lead English teacher, a master teacher (mentoring other teachers), and now leads the education pathway program, through which Ansonia students can earn college credits at Southern.

LISA LUFT, M.S. ’96, 6th Yr. ’99, was selected to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education for the city of Weston, Conn. During her more than 30-year career in education, Luft has held a variety of positions in the New York City school system, working as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and administrator.

JULIE ANDERSON, M.S. ’98, will be the next head of school at the Rectory School, a coeducational, boarding and day school in Pomfret, Conn. She will begin her new post on July 1, 2025. Anderson will come to the position from Cheshire Academy, most recently, serving seven years as head of school.

2000s

TINA MARIE MANUS, ’01, M.S. ’06, shares that her play The Beautification Committee debuted at the Gene Frankel Theatre in Manhattan in August. It was one of nine short plays selected to compete in the “15 Minutes of Frame” competition. After graduating from Southern, Manus began a 20-year teaching career while working as a vocalist and choir director. She earned a doctorate in 2019 and started a market research business. She continues to perform and direct.

MARCI MOREAU, M.A. ’01, was appointed the executive director of East End Food, a nonprofit organization with a mission of advocating for farmers and producers while supporting access to nourishing local food.

JAY DESIDERIO, ’02, is an elite professional sales and leadership coach at Southwestern Consulting. He has been a certified trainer and business coach since 2015.

JEFFREY MORENO, ’03, was honored as the Hispanic American of the Year by the city of West Haven, Conn. Moreno, whose grandmother was born in Puerto Rico, received the honor based on his community commitment and cultural pride. He is a project manager for the city of New Haven.

NICHOLAS BONALDO, ’04, was elected to serve a two-year term on the board of voting directors of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. He is the senior vice president of sales and account management at MagnaCare in New York.

DAMARIS VELEZ, ’04, was named registrar of vital statistics for the city of New Haven, as announced by Mayor Justin Elicker. Velez serves as the primary custodian of vital records in the city, including birth, marriage, and death certificates, and Elm City resident cards.

JAMIE L. ALVARADO-TAYLOR, ’05, M.A. ’08, was honored as a 2024 “Top Leader in Law” by the Maryland Daily Record. She is a principal at Stein Sperling Bennett DeJong Driscoll, P.C. She graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Law and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Spanish from Southern. A first-generation attorney, she is noted for building a successful practice serving a predominantly Spanish-speaking client base.

SAFIYA KEY, M.S. ’05, was named principal of Coleytown Elementary School in Greenwich, Conn., as reported by the Westport Journal

KIMBERLY DUNN, ’06, M.S. ’10, 6th Yr. ’15, was appointed special education high school supervisor for Milford Public Schools. A Milford Public Schools graduate, Dunn brings to the position 15 years of experience in the special education field with the city of Madison.

DAVID ARCONTI JR., ’08, was nominated by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont to serve as a commissioner of the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), the state agency responsible for overseeing the services of the state’s investorowned utilities, including electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications companies. He began serving at PURA in an interim capacity effective Aug. 5, 2024. Previously, Arconti was vice president of state government relations for Avangrid, formerly United Illuminating.

KATIE DENNETT, ’08, who serves as director of partnerships and corporate relations for Special Olympics Connecticut, was selected to enroll in the Special Olympics North America (SONA) Leadership Academy. The academy supports select SONA leaders by amplifying their personal development as professionals.

ANTHONY FANTANO, ’08, was named one of Rolling Stone’s “25 Most Influential Creators” of 2024. Fantano has more than 2.9 million subscribers on his YouTube channel: The Needle Drop.

MICHAEL GILMAN, M.S. ’08, is a visiting assistant extension educator with the University of Connecticut’s College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources. Gilman is the coowner of Indian River Shellfish, an oyster farming business focused on sustainable practices in Connecticut.

JANET SIMON, ’08, associate dean for research and an associate professor with the College of Health Sciences and Professions at Ohio University, has been recognized for being ranked within the top five percent of researchers worldwide in their respective fields by Scholar GPS. Simon, who earned a degree in athletic training at Southern, furthered her education at Ohio University and Indiana University. She holds a doctorate in biostatistics from the latter.

ERIN CONLEY, M.S. ’09, was named executive director of the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation. The foundation, which is based in Whitinsville, Mass., supports career-connected learners. Conley has made significant contributions to the education landscape during the last 26 years, working in a variety of settings, including as a college professor, director of curriculum and instruction, principal, consultant, teacher leader, and conference presenter.

2010s

NOAH DEROHANIAN, ’10, is the newly named director of product development of Proven Winners, a leading supplier of plants and gardening products.

LAUREN SKULTETY, M.S. ’10, 6th Yr. ’14, was appointed director of early childhood education for Branford Public Schools. Previously, she was the elementary curriculum coordinator for the school system, a position she held for 10 years.

DAN HAJDUCKY, ’11, started as a staff writer on ESPN’s Investigative and Enterprise Journalism Team in January 2024.

BRIAN LANOUE, M.S. ’11, was reelected to his fourth term as a Connecticut State Representative for the 45th House District, representing Griswold, Ledyard, Lisbon, Preston, and Voluntown.

MATTHEW GLENNON, ’12, an attorney with Pullman & Comley, was named a “40 Under Forty” honoree for Fairfield County by the Westfair Business Journal. Glennon graduated magna cum laude from Southern with a degree in business administration. He earned a law degree,

magna cum laude, from Quinnipiac University School of Law.

KARLA LINDQUIST, M.S. ’13, is the executive director of the HOPE Partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to developing affordable workforce housing in Middlesex County and along the shoreline. She was spotlighted by Shoreline Publishing as the “Person of the Week” in May.

JAMES MESSINA, M.S. ’13, was appointed principal of St. Lawrence School in West Haven, Conn., beginning with the 2024-25 school year.

MARK MCGUIRE-SCHWARTZ, M.F.A. ’14, was named the poet laureate of the city of Guilford, Conn. His poetry and prose have been published in many journals. He also is the author of a book of poems entitled 289. In addition to his career in social services with the State of Connecticut, McGuire-Schwartz has taught at Housatonic Community College, among other roles.

BELINO VOSHTINA, ’14, joined the law firm of Kaufman Dolowich as an associate in August. Voshtina earned a law degree from Pace University School of Law, graduating cum laude. He majored in business administration at Southern.

BRYAN BOSTIC, ’16, was named to the 2024 Westfair Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty” list for his accomplishments as a healthcare professional at Griffin Health and his commitment to the community. Bostic, who has been with Griffin Health for 16 years, was promoted to the position of employee wellness navigator in January 2024. He also was named Griffin’s 2020 Employee of the Year.

VICTORIA CARDOSO, M.S. ’16, started a new position as a science teacher at Masuk High School in Monroe, as reported by The Monroe Sun

CHAD MORTON, ’16, successfully defended his Ph.D. dissertation at The Rockefeller University in New York City on Sept. 30, 2024.

ANTHONY LAWSON, ’18, M.P.H. ’20, was honored at the 11th annual 100 Men of Color Awards ceremony. The award recognizes the contributions men of color have made throughout Connecticut and western Massachusetts.

JAMES ANTONUCCI, 6th Yr. ’19, has joined Greenwich Public Schools as the pre-K-12 arts program coordinator. He is responsible for overseeing the visual, music, and theater arts programs.

WILLIAM WALLACH, M.S. ’19, was named economic development direc-

tor of the city of Torrington, as reported in the Register Citizen

2020s

GIANA PEDEVILLANO, ’21, M.P.H. ’24, has joined the Newtown Health District in Connecticut as a health inspector.

ASHLEY AGUILERA, ’23, was named director of legislative services to the Bridgeport City Council. A Bridgeport native who graduated magna cum laude with a degree in political science, Aguilera is pursuing graduate studies at Southern.

HANNAH CORRIGAN, M.S. ’23, is the assistant director of the Needham Park and Recreation Department in

Massachusetts.

AIDAN RICCIARDELLI, ’23, has joined the Branford Police Department after graduating from the 380th class of the Connecticut Police Academy.

KENYA BUTLER, ’24, a New Haven Promise Scholar who interned at New Haven Health, is continuing her career journey by starting the accelerated bachelor’s program in nursing at Quinnipiac University.

NEIL MEROLA, ’24, is a first-year science teacher at East Haven High School.

JANAE REID, ’24, is a New Haven Promise advocate at Southern, working in University Access Programs. An alumna of New Haven Promise, Reid supports undergraduate Promise Scholars by providing personalized support as they navigate their college journey.

■ In Print and On Screen

NEIL THOMAS PROTO, ’67, shares that his book To a High Court: Five Bold Law Students Challenge Corporate Greed and Change the Law has won the 2024 PenCraft Book Awards for literary excellence, taking first place in the Non-Fiction — Government/Politics Genre. The book chronicles a landmark legal battle. In 1972, Proto chaired a group of five George Washington University law students who challenged “the corporate greed of the nation’s railroads and the failure of the government to protect the environment” during the administration of President Richard M. Nixon. Known as Students Challenging Regulatory Agency Procedures or SCRAP, the group sued the United States in 1972, waging an eight-month legal battle against the government, powerful law firms, the nation’s railroads, and national environmental organizations — all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

ANDREW GERNHARD, ’99, a successful filmmaker whose credits include more than 100 movies, was honored as the 2024 Norwich Native Son. The award is given annually by the Norwich Rotary Club and the Woman’s City Club to a person who was raised in the Connecticut town and went on to excel in a career outside the region.

Gernhard established the Synthetic Cinema International film company in 2004 in Rocky Hill. As a producer for more than two decades, his catalogue of work ranges from a series of horror films for NBC Universal‘s Chiller Network to Christmas movies for the Hallmark Channel.

ELISE BOCHINSKI, M.L.S. ’02, is the university archivist and special collections librarian at Fairfield University, a position held since 2003. She is co-author of Success of the Sound: A History of Fairfield University, published by Saint Joseph’s Univeristy Press.

Share your good news

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REBECCA WILSON, Ed.D. ’24, earned a doctorate as a member of the inaugural cohort of the doctoral program in counselor education and supervision at Southern. Wilson is head of the Stamford Public Schools district’s school counseling department. In 2022, she was named Administrator of the Year by the Connecticut School Counselor Association, and in 2023, she received the Connecticut Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Award.

Marriages

ELIZABETH CERINO, ’18, was married to JOSEPH GENTILE, ’18, on Nov. 1, 2024.

Births and Adoptions

MARIA BERNABUCCI, ’23, is mom to baby boy Gianni who was born in January 2024. She is enrolled in Southern’s Master of Social Work program.

IN MEMORIAM

PETER LEAHY, ’58, M.S.’69, Aug. 12, 2024

JUDITH ANN CHRISTENSEN, ’61, 6th Yr. ’73, Aug. 20, 2024

CAROLYN GILSON REEVES, ’63, March 26, 2024

MARYANN GIARRATANO, ’64, Sept. 14, 2024

JAMES VERCELLONE, ’64, Aug. 9, 2024

JOAN RINALDI, ’65, 6th Yr.’ 73, Sept. 30, 2024

ANTHONY DESANTO, ’66, Oct. 6, 2024

ELIZABETH “BETTY” (BEATTIE) BOLEVIC, ’69, Oct. 21, 2024

MARGARET CURRAN, ’70, M.S. ’75, Sept. 2, 2024

JOHN ALAN HOOGENBOOM, ’70, M.S. ’78, Sept. 20, 2024

MARILYN (CARPINELLA) SANTUCCI, ’70, Oct. 29, 2024

THOMAS STRAITE, M.S. ’70, Sept. 20, 2024

WALTER POWELL III, ’71, M.A.’73, Oct. 17, 2024

MICHAEL REZNIK, ’71, April 25, 2024

MARY BUSH ESTABROOK, M.S. ’72, 6th Yr. ’76, April 15, 2024

JEAN MARIE EURICH, ’72, M.A. ’75, June 12, 2024

SUSAN TOBEY WHITE, ’72, Sept. 22, 2024

LINDA TIANO COPPOLA, ’73, 6th Yr. ’99, Aug. 20, 2024

EDWARD SBARDELLATI JR., M.S. ’73, April 17, 2024

JAMES DEVINE, M.S. ’74, Sept. 15, 2024

THOMAS FURGALACK, ’74, Oct. 26, 2024

JUNE HERBST, ’74, M.S. ’78, 6th Yr. ’82, April 18, 2024

DIANE FISHER THOMPSON, ’75, Sept. 4, 2024

BRENDA ACKELL DEWITT, ’76, Sept. 13, 2024

WARREN HARRIS, ’76, Oct. 17, 2024

DAVID MACHARELLI SR., M.S. ’76, 6th Yr. ’86, Aug. 2, 2024

SUSAN ANDERSON MILLER, ’76

ROBERT “BOB” PARKER, ’76, Nov. 8, 2024

CARLA GIUGNO, ’77, May 22, 2024

PHYLLIS MANCINI KAERCHER, 6th Yr. ’77, Oct. 22, 2024

THELMA LEE (SCHNEELICHT) SCHWARTZ, 6th Yr. ’77, June 4, 2024

PATRICIA ANN CUCUZZA, M.S. ’79, 6th Yr. ’82, Sept. 26, 2024

DIANE B. RUSSO, ’81, Dec. 25, 2023

SHARON CANOSA, ’82, Sept. 28, 2024

MARGARET MALAHAN BORGER, M.L.S. ’83, 6th Yr. ’91, May 19, 2024

JOSEPH ABLESKI, ’84, Nov. 26, 2024

SANDRA “SANDY” ELIZABETH (BURNS) LIBRANDI, ’84, June 28, 2024

DAWN SMITH, ’84, Sept. 20, 2024

HELEN E. SCIARRA, ’85, June 10, 2024

SANDRA DRAPER, ’88, Aug. 8, 2024

SARAH (SALLIE) CATHERINE LYONS, M.L.S. ’90

AUDREY LYDIA LOWERY, ’91, Oct. 5, 2024

JOHN SAVINELLI JR., ’92, Nov. 4, 2024

MARY JO MENNONA, ’96, June 18, 2024

KEITH ROMANO, ’96, June 29, 2024

SUELLEN AUSTIN HEINRICH, M.L.S. ’00, Aug. 18, 2024

CHRISTOPHER JENNINGS PENDERS, ’02, Oct. 5, 2024

DAVID DEROUIN, ’04, M.S. ’09, Sept. 27, 2024

JORDAN HAGGERTY FERENC, ’06, May 7, 2024

JENNIFER MARIE (URBON) ANDREAS, M.S. ’15, June 22, 2024

ALEXANDRIA MIMS, ’08, Sept. 8, 2024

ROGER CONWAY, associate professor emeritus of media studies, July 29, 2024

DURGA PRASAD, professor emeritus of management, Sept. 5, 2024

Alumni Notes are compiled from submissions as well as announcements in the news media.

Dreams continued from page 21

Holmes chose the University of Kentucky, where she was part of the 400meter relay team that set a collegiate record and won the NCAA title in 2022.

After college, she competed on the mixed 400-meter relay team (two men and two women) that set a world record time at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, and she won the 400-meter U.S. national indoor title in February 2024. From there, it was on to Paris.

In the 4x400 Olympic final, the U.S. opened an early lead which had stretched to nearly 75 meters by the time Holmes took the baton for the final leg. Still, Stanton’s feet were bouncing, her heart drumming. She recalls wanting to will her daughter across the finish line. And, so, for those 400 meters all she could do was scream: “Don’t stop! Oh my God, you’ve got this! All the way! All the way! All the way! Let’s go!” until Holmes eased across the line with a broad smile, knowing the gold medal was theirs, and Stanton’s tension gave way to joy.

Immediately after the race, Holmes searched the stands for her parents. She didn’t spot them until after the victory lap with her teammates. Separated by barricades, they at least made eye contact. “Just to see them in the stands was so rewarding,” Holmes says. “Sharing that moment with them made it so much more special.”

The following day Stanton was finally able to see her daughter up close in the Olympic Village. They hadn’t been together

A Dog Named Justice continued from page 35

And, yes, Bernegger’s professional aspirations are shifting. She originally wanted a career in publishing. “But I’m really loving the advocacy portion of this, so who knows. I just declared a minor in arts administration and cultural advocacy with a focus in leadership. I am along for the ride.”

Hollis echoes her optimism: “College raisers are our biggest hope. The students are dynamic and socialize our dogs wonderfully. They are kind with the dogs, show great empathy for their fellow man, and look towards the future with hope as we all should.” ■

for almost eight months, and all those feelings of love and pride and relief and joy infused the moment. “I gave her the biggest hug, for maybe two minutes,” Stanton says. “I think I hugged her ten times during those two hours.”

Back in Connecticut, Holmes’ hometown community was enthralled as well. Holmes returned to Southern’s Lyman Center for the Performing Arts in late October to speak to an audience that included nearly 40 young athletes from the New Haven Age Group Track Club. (She’d leave New Haven to resume training in Arkansas, where she

In Praise of Perserverance continued from page 37

extrovert who loves talking to people and being involved with the campus community,” says Carol Stewart, professor of management and director of student affairs for the School of Business.

Knight came to Southern in fall 2023, after earning an associate degree from Gateway Community College. At Southern, he’s majoring in general studies with a focus on business and is fully immersed in the college experience. He’s a residence hall adviser as well as the manager of the Owls men’s basketball team.

Challenges remain, but Knight and Stewart, who is also his academic adviser, are working to overcome them. They successfully applied to Southern’s Division of Student Affairs for a grant to buy a scooter to make it easier for Knight to crisscross campus. His grant from the Alexandra Dilger Award Fund purchased a MacBook Air, which provides critical academic support. “He has blossomed academically and gotten very good grades,” sums Stewart.

The previous spring, both Stewart and Knight attended the Alexandra Dilger Fund Awards Ceremony at the Dilgers’ home. There, Patrick

now lives, and prepare for the indoor world championships.)

But first there was a homecoming. “As a little girl, I grew up on Southern’s campus,” Holmes says. “Even at the Lyman Center, I have been running around this auditorium since I was a little kid watching fashion shows and guest speakers. Who would have thought that I would be a guest speaker here one day? It is just kind of amazing how things have come full circle. Then of course my mom is a track legend here, so it means a lot to come back.” ■

presented each of the eight recipients with a certificate. He also highlighted each of the honorees’ many achievements. For some, it was the first public confirmation of their success — an acknowledgement that can be truly life-changing.

“Families are so proud. It brings our hearts such joy,” says Gale.

Many of the grant recipients share plans to ultimately support the community. A woman with dyslexia is on track to become a special education teacher. Knight hopes to build a career advocating for people with disabilities in the athletics field. “So many great stories come out,” says Patrick. “You meet these young people who strive, overcome the odds, and succeed. It’s wonderful to be a small part of that.” ■

MAKE A GIFT to the John A. and Teresa Dilger Endowed Scholarship at SouthernCT.edu/giving/ways-to-give

Please designate your contribution as “Dilger” in the check memo section or online to support this fund.

Olympic

Alexis Holmes (above right) and Dawn Stanton, ’90, M.S. ‘97

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOSEPH MILONE, ’00, M.S. ’06, (RECREATION, TOURISM, AND SPORT

On April 3, 2025,

Southern will celebrate its 10th Annual Day of Caring — the university’s largest fundraising event that enhances scholarship and programmatic support to ensure every student has access to an exceptional education.

Last year, the Southern community raised more than $911,000 from 1,900 donors across our community. These funds provided financial aid for internships; funded research projects, state-of-the-art teaching technology, and athletics equipment; and enhanced scholarship opportunities by over $100,000.

On April 3 — together as ONE — the Southern community will once again empower the future of Southern and its students. Can our students count on you?

Ways to Join the Celebration:

• Become an Advocate: Between now and Day of Caring, spread the word and encourage individuals and companies to make a gift and support Southern!

• Become a Donor: On April 3, make a gift to the fund of your choice by visiting SouthernCT.edu/DayOfCaring.

• Scan the QR Code: to discover ways you can become an advocate and share your Southern pride on April 3!

• Mail a Check: made payable to the SCSU Foundation to P.O. Box 846120, Boston, MA 02284-6120. Indicate the fund of your choice on the memo line.

CATCHING THE NIGHT FLYERS

PROFESSOR MIRANDA DUNBAR

INSIDE: Expanding the Honors College A Dog Named Justice

Writers Share Their Stories

Mother-Daughter Olympic Journey

STUDIES BATS IN BELIZE